Governor Liyel Imoke of Cross River State has said he expected civil servants in the State to reciprocate government after collecting the N18, 000 minimum wage by reporting at work at the stipulated time of eight in the morning.

Speaking to newsman after undertaking a surprise visit to some Ministries, Departments and Agencies, mostly located in the new Secretariat on Murtala Mohammed Highway, Imoke, who visibly expressed displeasure at the outcome of his visit, said after getting “all the good will and support, I expected a better performance by civil and public servants. I expect them to be discipline, I expect them to exhibit tardiness, I expect them to start work at 8.am and close at 4.p.m but most of them most especially senior officers were not in office.”

According to the Governor, every civil servant had been prewarned but they refused to understand, stressing that stern disciplinary actions will be taken against those found to be wanting.

Investigations revealed that the Governor ruled the time book of the office of Head of Service at 8.03 a.m after 13 staff under level 01-06, 40 under 07 -13 and 3 Directorate Staff had signed the time book.

A breakdown shows that, at Ministry of Justice Headquarters at 8.8 am, Seven staff under levels 01-06, 55 staff 07-13 and Directorate 16, Civil Service at 8.13 a.m 01-06. Staff, 07 -13, 33 staff and Directorate two; Ministry of Local Government 8.15am 06-6 three, 07 – 13 25 and Directorate seven, Internal Revenue Service at 8.20 am (only one time Lands and Housing 01 – 06 8.25 a.m 12, 07 -13 102 and Directorate 16 and at the State Planning Commission at 8.30 a.m, 01 -06 four, 07 – 13 21 and Directorate 4.

At the International Donors Support Report Department, the Special Adviser, International Donors Support Report, Mr. Roy Ndoma-Egba, who incidentally was the only member of State Executive Council to report at office before the Governor’s unscheduled visit, noted that it was customary for his staff to report to work on time as those not in office were on field trip.

Responding, the Governor who said he was impressed by presence of the staff of that office for coming to work early the referred to Mr. Ndoma-Egba as a hard worker who believes in result.