The Territorial Archbishop of Calabar and Convener of the Cross River State Christian Leaders Forum, Archbishop Josef Bassey, has warned Governor Bassey Otu over what he described as the presence of “weak and self-profiling” appointees in his administration, saying they are slowing down government efforts, policies and prospects.
Speaking to journalists in Calabar at the weekend, Bassey said some government officials were working against the administration’s agenda instead of driving it forward, warning that Cross River “cannot afford them in the next phase.”
He said, “Government appointments must not become political settlements. We have lost too much time for such frivolity. You can lose with a good team, but you cannot win without one.
“Some of the appointees are matching brakes when government is matching the accelerator, and this is slowing down government efforts, policies and prospects.”
The cleric stated that there was a need for a reshuffle of the cabinet to bring in competent officers who, according to him, “will raise the standard for public office in the next phase of the administration.”
He said, “If a man cannot take obsessive ownership of the governor’s vision and practically translate it into measurable reality, he should not occupy strategic public office.
“If he lacks competence, remove him. If he cannot execute, replace him. If his loyalty is not to the state and the administration’s dreams and goals, drop him,” he warned.
The cleric further accused government appointees of self-promotion and personal aggrandisement, adding that the principal responsibility of any government appointee was to support the blueprints of the administration.
“If his principal achievement in government is promoting himself and seeking personal gain, send him home and find someone capable of promoting Cross River.
“The next phase requires character, competence, capacity, track record and execution. Nothing less,” he emphasised.
The Archbishop, however, commended the ongoing reforms in the public and civil service, saying the restructured system should now place the right demands on officials and hold them accountable for results.
He further hailed Otu’s public identification with God, describing him as a God-sent answer to the prayers of Cross River people.
“As a spiritual father, I cannot treat Governor Otu’s stand for God as incidental. I believe, and I am fully persuaded it is an answer to our prayers,” he added.
