by crossriverwatch admin
There may be a policy somersault by the Cross River State Head of Service, Mary-Theresa Ikwen over the compulsory purchase of HP computer laptops as the state Governor, Senator Liyel Imoke says he did not support the policy.
Civil servants at all levels in the state have been complaining about the process of the digitization reform policy of the government initiated by the state head of civil service, Mary Theresa Ikwen.
The policy which now makes it compulsory for all civil servants to purchase HP computers to the tune of N120,000 while the money is being deducted from their salaries every month has been generating negative reactions among the public.
The State Head of Civil Service had said “Cross River state will soon be digitalized as a step towards the actualization of E-Governance in our dear State.
“As a policy of Government, the Office of the Head of Service is set to issue a circular to all MDAs to this effect.
“The re-launch of computer laptop acquisition program in the State Civil/Public Service by the State Governor, Senator Liyel Imoke attest to Government’s commitment to a paperless service whereby most Government activities would be carried on-line”.
But the governor while reacting to the computer acquisition controversy during the recent media parley with Journalists said “I’m not in support of the idea of compulsory computer laptop acquisition by all civil servants in the state.
“Much as I want the state civil service to embraced the new reform policy piloted by the state civil service commission, I have told the Head of Service to slow down the “compulsion” because the last one they bought in 2008/2009, most of them either sold it or gave it to their children to use.”
However, in her explanation recently in her office, Mrs Ikwen said:
“why the cost of the laptop computers goes for N115,000.00 per unit, was because the cost of laptop in Calabar is N75,000.00 while the N40,000.00 is for State software production, training, warranty parts, manpower service/service center among others.”
Reacting to the development on her facebook wal, a journalists and public commentator, Mrs. Eme Offiong wrote: “Yeeeeeeeeeee!!!! Na only God go save Cross River Civil Servants o! Imagine, the Head of Service compelling civil servants to purchase laptops of 60, 000 naira at 120, 000 naira. The trick used to deceive the people is that the so called laptops have been installed with software that will enable even cleaners and gatemen function digitally.
“The deceit, trickery and thiefing is just too much. How will the laptop enhance a gateman who only manage to pass first school leaving certificate? How can the Head of Cross River State civil service make that compulsory for its workers? Is that the housing, health insurance scheme it should pursue for its workers?
“What a pity that this has happened so. Now, I hear it is no longer compulsory! What are ashamed! I guess a cabal has chopped money from these under paid civil servants.
Eme comment has generated reactions from civil servants and Cross Riverians living within and outside the shore of Cross River State which is why CrossRiverWatch lifted her comment.
Time will tell whether this will be another bizarre “GATE” in the Cross River Government.
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