May 29, marked a new beginning in Cross River State as newly sworn-in governor, Ben Ayade, took over the mantle of leadership from former governor, Liyel Imoke.

However, in his first day at work, Ayade decided to lock out workers, who reported late to the government house, Calabar.

According to a report by This Day, the new governor arrived for the day’s job as early as 8.00am only for him to discover that so many workers haven’t resumed duties. Angered at this development, the governor immediately ordered that workers, who arrived late should be locked out.

This order was immediately carried out by the state’s head of service, Mary Theresa Ikwen, who moved to the main entrance gate and ordered security officials to lock the gate at exactly 8.30am.

After a brief session with journalists, Ayade moved to the gate to addressed the latecomers, who stood outside.

According to the governor, his action was to serve as deterrent to others.

The governor warned that all heads of MDAs must live up to their responsibilities by ensuring that civil servants serve in line with prescribed rules to deliver on the desired gains to the populace.

“If heads of MDAs could report to work as early as 8am., I see no reason why the subordinates should not be in their respective offices on or before that time.

“For those who are late today, we will pardon them but from tomorrow (Tuesday), all latecomers will be locked outside and sanctioned accordingly,”  he said.

Meanwhile, Professor Ayade has stated that his poor background will be the driving force for his government.