The Cross River State Head of Service, Mr. Orok Bassey Okon, has assured organized labour leaders that the ongoing Audit and Personnel Verification Exercise is designed solely to sanitize the state’s payroll system and not to victimize any worker. Speaking during an interactive meeting with labour leaders in Calabar, the Head of Service explained that the exercise, which will run until the end of the year, is aimed at identifying and eliminating irregularities such as fake credentials, unmerited promotions, ghost workers, and other personnel-related discrepancies.
Government’s Commitment to Transparency
Okon emphasized that the verification forms part of the government’s broader commitment to transparency, accountability, and efficient public service management. He stated that only duly qualified and legitimately employed personnel would remain on the government’s payroll after the process. “This exercise is not intended to victimise anyone,” Okon was quoted as saying. “Rather, it is to ensure integrity in our workforce and payroll system. We have allowed enough time, until the end of the year, so that all concerns and outstanding issues can be properly addressed.”
Labour Concerns Addressed
The meeting, which also had the Special Adviser on Labour Matters, Comrade Clarkson Otu, in attendance, provided a platform for Government and labour representatives to discuss concerns and seek clarifications on the verification process. Earlier, the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Gregory Olaye, had raised several issues, including discrepancies in dates of birth and first appointment records, matters relating to pensioners, code security, implementation of the new minimum wage, and other challenges encountered by workers during the exercise.
Detailed Clarifications Provided
Responding point by point, the Head of Service provided detailed clarifications on all concerns raised. He assured labour leaders that any unresolved issues encountered by workers would be addressed during the physical verification stage. Okon further disclosed that the consultants handling the exercise have been adequately briefed to resolve genuine cases and rectify verified errors. The meeting ended on a positive note, with both Government and labour leaders reaffirming their commitment to continuous dialogue and collaboration in advancing worker welfare and improving public service administration in Cross River State.
