Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has disbanded the Board of the Local Government Service Commission after investigations confirmed incidents of employment racketeering and alleged misconduct during its latest recruitment drive.
The announcement was made in a statement issued on Tuesday in Calabar by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Linus Obogo.
In the statement, Governor Otu expressed strong displeasure over the irregularities uncovered in the recruitment process, describing the actions as a violation of public trust and contrary to the values expected in public administration.
He recalled that the flawed exercise, which he had earlier placed on suspension,would remain halted until a new recruitment process is conducted, one he assured would be transparent, merit-based, and aligned with his administration’s commitment to accountability.
The statement read, “Following reports of gross abuse of office and widespread employment racketeering in the Local Government Service Commission’s recruitment exercise, His Excellency, Senator Bassey Otu, has approved the immediate dissolution of the Board.”
It continued, “The actions that came to light are unacceptable. This administration maintains zero tolerance for corruption and will not hesitate to take decisive measures to protect the integrity of public institutions.”
Governor Otu further assured residents of Cross River State that his administration is determined to restore confidence in the system and ensure that all opportunities within the public service adhere strictly to due process.
He emphasized that individuals or groups found breaching established procedures would face firm sanctions as part of ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening governance and upholding public confidence.
