Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has dissolved the Board of the Local Government Service Commission following confirmed reports of employment racketeering and alleged abuse of office during the Commission’s recent recruitment exercise.
The decision was contained in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Linus Obogo, and made available to newsmen on Tuesday in Calabar.
According to the statement, the governor expressed deep concern over the unethical practices uncovered in the recruitment process, describing them as a betrayal of public trust and an affront to the core principles of public service.
Otu noted that the compromised recruitment exercise, which he had earlier suspended, remains on hold pending a fresh process that will be transparent, merit-driven, and reflective of 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.”
“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.