By Lawrence Mpama
The Chairman of Akamkpa local government area, has back the sweeping reforms being carried out recently by the Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Cross River State Chapter. In a bold move to reposition the workforce of Akamkpa Local Government Council, the Executive Chairman, Hon. (Ophot) Felix Akposi KSJI, stated that the reforms are necessary, even as he expressed concern over what he described as “a worrying trend of laxity” among council staff.
The Chairman, while receiving the State leadership of NULGE at the Council Secretariat in Akamkpa, welcomed their interventionist approach and assured them of the Council’s readiness to partner for the common good. He described their mission as “timely and necessary” in confronting the rot within the local government system.
“I have severally crossed lines on the staff timebook and also cautioned erring employees,” he said, “The lackadaisical attitude of some staff is no longer tenable. We are open to receive you and to work with you. We seek innovations that will make work and duty disposition not only easy but noble.”
The Chairman also prayed for peaceful deliberations during the visit and wished the delegation safe travels back to their respective destinations.
Responding on behalf of the union, the President of NULGE, Cross River State chapter and Director General of Services and Administration (DGSA) for Obubra LGA, Comrade Leko Otabe Obol, praised the Chairman for his warm reception despite the short notice of their visit. According to him, their visit was aimed at interfacing with staff, probing welfare conditions, and addressing serious systemic flaws.
“We are here to interface with your staff and investigate their welfare. It is regrettable that many council workers no longer report to duty as expected. Some even earn double salaries,” Comrade Otabe stated.
He, however, commended the administration of Governor Bassey Edet Otu for the remarkable milestones achieved in strengthening local government autonomy and functionality.
“The present administration must be applauded for actions that could not be achieved in over thirty years, from instituting a functional payroll system, streamlining salary structures, approving employment, and introducing permanent secretaries in local government councils.”
Comrade Otabe also lauded the spiritual backbone of Akamkpa Council under Hon. Akposi’s leadership. “We must commend you for sustaining the Solemn Assembly, a spiritual exercise that very few councils have kept alive. It shows moral and visionary leadership,” he remarked.
While calling for reforms that would devolve more personnel authority to council chairmen, Otabe urged the Governor to allow local government heads to employ junior staff (level 1 to 6), emphasising that such a move would empower council chairmen to directly absorb youths from their communities through elected councillors.
As the session ended, the atmosphere was charged with a renewed sense of purpose and commitment to overhaul local governance at the grassroots, a cause both the Chairman and the union appear resolute to pursue.
