BY DOMINIC KIDZU
Not many people appear to know that between 2024 and 2025 Governor Bassey Otu gave civil service jobs to over 7,000 citizens of our state. Apart from 1987/1988 when Akwa Ibom state was created out of Cross River and Cross Riverians had to take up the vacant positions left behind by the departing Akwa Ibom indegenes, no governor since then has been able to achieve this feat in the last 36 years. .
This is both strategic and impactful, especially when you calculate that over 6,500 of these employees now have between 30-35 years of secured gainful employment under their belts and the assurance of a living pension wages until they die. This is the real empowerment that propels economic growth, social security and harmony, and also promotes the stability of our dear state.
Several administrations in the past have shied away from putting citizens to work because of the fear that wage bills will soar. The wage bill of the state has soared as predicted, of course, but this governor has chosen to bear the brunt for the sake of the people. He knows that the hard way is the only way and gifts of cash and food items are only a leash while secure employment is the real lifeline. This is bold leadership with a milky heart. This is how to grow the people and the society. This is the sweet core of the Administration.