Cross River Hits Second Phase Of Car Scheme For Civil Servants

CALABAR, June 29, (THEWILL) - The distribution of Kia Rio Cars under the second phase of the car scheme to civil servants in Cross River State has been flagged off by the Head of Service, Mrs. Mary-Theresa Ikwen.

The event held at the office of the Head of Service, New Secretariat Complex, Calabar.

Speaking to journalists in his office before the exercise commenced, Rev. Alobi Agbiji, director of staff welfare in the Office of Head of Service, disclosed that the distribution of the cars to the beneficiaries followed the conclusion of the signing of bond between the recipients and the car vendor.

Under the bond, according to Rev. Agbiji, the two parties agreed that the unit price per car is fixed at N3,815,100.00 with a monthly deduction of N63,585.00 from the beneficiaries’ monthly salaries over a period of five years.

He explained that the bond does not involve the government or any of its functionaries and was not imposed on the beneficiaries but was purely the outcome of negotiation between the vendor and the benefiting civil servants.

Rev. Agbiyi further revealed that the total price covers comprehensive insurance for three years, bank interest and other bank charges for five years.

Presenting the keys to some beneficiaries to mark the formal distribution of the cars to the recipients, head of service, Mrs. Mary-Theresa Ikwen expressed happiness with the exercise, saying it would improve the welfare of beneficiaries.

She commended the state government for its interest in the welfare of workers, shown by the new minimum wage, the sustenance of the car loan scheme as well as the Staff Housing Scheme, which will all improve the living standard of workers.

Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Ntosin Ayak commended the state governor, Senator Liyel Imoke for being workers-friendly, saying the attribute was crucial to the sustenance and actualisation of the car loan scheme.

She urged her colleagues to prove that they deserved the cars by being punctual to work, as it would also motivate government to think of better programmes for the Civil Service.