Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has disbanded the Board of the Local Government Service Commission after verified reports of employment racketeering and alleged abuse of office emerged during the Commission’s latest recruitment exercise.
The announcement was made in a statement released on Tuesday in Calabar by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Linus Obogo.
In the statement, the governor expressed serious concern over the unethical conduct uncovered in the recruitment process, calling it a breach of public trust and a violation of the core values of public service.
Otu added that the tainted recruitment exercise—which he had previously halted—will remain suspended until a new process is carried out that is transparent, merit-based, and aligned with his administration’s focus on 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.”
“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,” the statement added.
The governor assured Cross Riverians that his government is committed to rebuilding trust in the system and ensuring that opportunities within the public service are accessible only through due process.
He further reaffirmed that any individuals or bodies found violating established protocols would face strict sanctions as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen governance and restore public confidence.