Cross River State governor, Bassey Otu, on Friday unveiled 36 electric vehicles for permanent secretaries as part of activities to mark Democracy Day, saying it is part of a broader shift to clean energy transport.
Otu stated that the gesture is designed to “dignify public service, improve efficiency in governance and reduce the burden of transportation costs on senior civil servants.
“One of the main directions and focuses of our administration is to build integrity in service and also dignify the different officials.”
Governor Otu stressed that his administration chose electric vehicles over CNG after finding that “about 60 per cent of our expenses are on transportation.”
He stressed that permanent secretaries deserve recognition, adding that, “Cross River State is never lacking in capacity; whoever puts in labour also deserves a reward.”
According to him, the beneficiaries will “save almost more than 75 per cent of what you expend on fueling your cars,” with no oil changes or frequent mechanic visits needed.
The 36 EVs are the first batch of a 100-vehicle plus 100-electric tricycle programme for empowerment and public transport.
Otu revealed plans to extend the initiative to other arms of government and set up charging infrastructure statewide.
“This is the first in a series. Everybody should be able to own the keys to an electric car because that will make movement seamless. We are going to begin to set up charging ports, particularly for those that will serve the public,” he said.
The state’s head of service, Barrister Orok Okon, described the initiative as a historic morale booster, noting that no permanent secretary had received such a benefit in over a decade. “Today, His Excellency has broken that jinx,” Okon added.
Otu also thanked the State House of Assembly, saying “For us to get all these things here, we had to sit down, debate and pass the budget. Together, we will continue to build a very strong Cross River State.”
