Some residents of Cross River have commended Gov. Bassey Otu for setting up a complaints and solution desk to strengthen synergy between citizens and government.
The residents, who spoke in separate interviews in Calabar on Friday, described the initiative as a good omen and called for its faithful implementation.
It would be recalled that Otu recently established the desk as a feedback centre for members of the public. Official reports from the government indicated that responses generated through the platform would be used to ensure accountable governance.
Dr Mcphalane Ejah, Country Director of the International Training, Research and Advocacy Project, described the idea as “splendid and exemplary of an ombudsman.”
He stressed that the effectiveness of the desk would depend on how well complaints were handled.
“The desk should be ready to treat every complaint equally. A complaint against a high-ranking government official shouldn’t be swept under the carpet,” he said.
Ejah, who is also a member of Chatham House, added that the system had not fully lived up to its responsibilities. “If not, there is no need to create another office for complaints. This unit can also be domiciled within the Ministry of Justice. Establishing a new office may not have been necessary, as a citizens’ department already exists,” he noted.
He urged the state government to strengthen existing structures within the system to perform more effectively.
Another resident, Mrs Gladys Ukom, described the move as a political compensation to government supporters.
“Let’s be truthful, if everything was moving well in the state and government agencies were doing their jobs, will this appointment be necessary? The answer is no,” she said.
Chief Anietie Abang, a community leader, urged residents to make good use of the platform to enable government to respond better to their needs.
“It is too early to condemn the motive behind the desk. Let us use it for the reason they have given, let us see how it will work out,” he said.
(NAN)