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Ukorebi Esien | September 9, 2025
As Cross River State inches closer to another important transition in its civil service hierarchy, all eyes are on Governor Bassey Edet Otu. With the imminent retirement of the current Head of Service (HOS), the question on the lips of civil servants, political actors, and stakeholders alike is simple: who next?
This decision is not just about filling a vacancy. It is about defining the Governor's legacy in the public service, a legacy that will either entrench the values of merit and discipline or reinforce the old habits of favoritism and convenience.
The Place of the Head of Service
The Head of Service is not a ceremonial position. It is the engine room of the civil service, the bridge between policy and implementation, the guardian of discipline in the bureaucracy, and the chief custodian of rules that ensure government machinery runs smoothly.
In a state like Cross River, where fiscal prudence, service delivery, and accountability remain pressing concerns, the choice of who steps into that role could make or mar the Otu administration's People-First Agenda.
Governor Otu's Guiding Philosophy
Since assuming office, Governor Otu has consistently emphasized his belief in meritocracy, fairness, and discipline. His government has been careful to place competence above cronyism, and inclusivity above sectional interests.
This philosophy is expected to guide his decision on the next HOS. In a system where some civil servants rose by default or political patronage, Governor Otu has a golden opportunity to show that only those who diligently conformed to the civil service rules, including writing the mandatory Compulsory Examination for Administrative and Professional Officers (COMPRO) — deserve to sit at the apex of the service.
By making this choice, Otu would be sending a clear message: in Cross River State, rules matter.
The Merit Argument
Many names may be whispered for the position, but merit should stand above sentiment. One name, however, continues to resonate across the corridors of governance — Hon. Chief Ajah Francis Ajah, mni.
Ajah's trajectory tells the story of a man who did not cut corners. He started from the bottom, wrote his examinations, climbed through the ranks, and complemented his career with sterling academic and professional qualifications; ICAN, NIM, CMCICM, and most notably, the prestigious National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Jos, where he emerged as a member of the Senior Executive Course 46.
As Permanent Secretary, he has proven capacity such as growing the state's reserve funds, reconciling debts to save billions, drafting fiscal laws that attracted international grants, and consistently positioning Cross River for global recognition in public finance management.
This is the kind of profile that embodies the Governor's taste for competence and discipline.
The Equity Factor
There is also the moral argument. Currently, the South Senatorial District holds the Chairmanship of the Civil Service Commission, the Local Government Service Commission, the Accountant-General, and the Auditor-General of the State.
For balance and equity, it is only just that the Central Senatorial District produces the next HOS. Within that axis, Ajah stands out not only as a product of merit but also as a symbol of fairness in the state's political arithmetic.
Legacy Moment for Governor Otu
Every administration is remembered for certain symbolic decisions. For Governor Otu, the appointment of the next Head of Service is one of those legacy moments.
Choosing a candidate who embodies meritocracy, discipline, and professionalism will not only boost the morale of hardworking civil servants but also reinforce his image as a leader who values competence over connections. It will assure the people of Cross River that his People-First Agenda is not just a slogan but a working philosophy.
In contrast, a choice rooted in sentiment would risk undoing years of effort at instilling discipline in the civil service.
Conclusion
The Governor of Cross River State, His Excellency Sen. Bassey Otu, has an opportunity to stamp his name in history as the leader who restored meritocracy to the civil service.
By appointing a Head of Service whose career reflects compliance with rules, intellectual depth, and practical experience; a man like Ajah Francis Ajah, mni , Otu will not just be filling a vacancy. He will be cementing a legacy.
A legacy of merit. A legacy of discipline. A legacy that future generations of civil servants will thank him for.
Ukorebi Esien
is a public affairs analyst, detribalised peace advocate, and development journalist. He writes from Calabar, Cross River State.
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