Arikpo Demands Discipline, Efficiency from Cross River Liaison Office Staff in Abuja
By Ebi COLLINS
The Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Cross River State, Hon. Dodeye Ikpi Arikpo, has charged staff of the Cross River State Liaison Office, Abuja, to demonstrate greater efficiency, discipline and commitment in discharging their responsibilities and projecting the image and interests of the state.
Arikpo gave the charge on Monday during a familiarisation visit to the Liaison Office in Asokoro, Abuja, where he interacted with management and staff and reviewed some of the issues affecting the effective operation of the office.
The Commissioner urged the workforce to cooperate with him and the leadership of the Liaison Office in advancing the People First agenda of Governor Bassey Edet Otu and contributing meaningfully to the growth and development of Cross River State.
He stressed that, as representatives of the state in the nation’s capital, staff of the Liaison Office must uphold professionalism, discipline and excellence in the performance of their duties.
Arikpo warned against poor attitude to work, noting that every staff member had a responsibility to contribute to the effectiveness and reputation of the office.
He also emphasised the importance of appropriate dressing and professional appearance, particularly among drivers and protocol officers, directing them to appear in suits and ties while performing official duties. He pledged to provide white shirts for the drivers to facilitate compliance with the directive.
The Commissioner encouraged staff to take ownership of their responsibilities, stressing that the effectiveness of the Liaison Office depended largely on the commitment, discipline and professionalism of its personnel.
Earlier in her opening remarks, the Special Adviser, Cross River State Liaison Office, Abuja, Mrs. Sarah Archibong, congratulated Arikpo on his appointment, describing him as a “round peg in a round hole.”
Archibong assured the Commissioner of the staff’s unalloyed loyalty, cooperation and commitment to supporting his mandate and ensuring the effective discharge of the office’s responsibilities.
During the interaction, the Head of Accounts, Mrs. Ekora Usani, and the Head of Registry, Mrs. Kuwo Ifere, presented some of the concerns affecting personnel and the operations of the office.
Usani appealed for greater integration of the Liaison Office into state government programmes and initiatives, noting that the office was sometimes left out of incentives and other benefits enjoyed by personnel of ministries, departments and agencies in Calabar.
Ifere, on her part, called for improved staff welfare packages to cushion the effects of prevailing economic realities and boost the morale and productivity of personnel.
The visit provided the Commissioner an opportunity to familiarise himself with the operations of the Liaison Office, engage directly with its workforce and receive first-hand feedback on challenges requiring administrative attention.
Arikpo reaffirmed the importance of a functional and efficient Liaison Office in representing Cross River State in Abuja, urging staff to remain dedicated to their duties and committed to the collective responsibility of advancing the interests of the state.
