Some residents of Cross River have commended Gov. Bassey Otu for establishing a complaints and solution desk aimed at strengthening synergy between the citizens and the government.
The residents who spoke in separate interviews in Calabar on Friday described the move as a good omen, and called for its religious implementation.
It would be recalled that Otu recently established a complaints and solutions desk as a feedback collection centre from members of the public.
Official reports from the government said that the feedbacks generated through the desk would be used to ensure responsive governance.
One of the residents, Dr Mcphalane Ejah, the Country Director, International Training, Research and Advocacy Project, described the idea behind the desk as ‘splendid and exemplary of an ombudsman’.
He said that the effectiveness of the desk in delivering the essence of its establishment was critical.
Ejah, also a member of the Chatham House, said that the desk would yield positive result if every complaint would be given equal attention.
“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.
He further said that the system had failed to live up to its responsibilities, saying,” if not, there is no need to create another office for complaints”
“This unit can also be domiciled within Ministry of Justice for people to drop their complaints. Establishing a new office may not have been necessary, a citizens department already exists in the system,”he said.
Ejah urged the state government to empower already existing structures within the system to play their roles effectively.
Another resident, Mrs Gladys Ukom described the establishment of the desk as a political compensation to supporters of the state government.
“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.
Also speaking, Chief Anietie Abang, a community leader, urged residents of the state to make good use of the desk to enable the government to respond to their needs.
He said that although it is tempting to view the establishment of the desk as a political move, the people could still make the most out of it.
“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.
