Governor Bassey Otu has dismissed the entire Board of the Local Government Service Commission in Cross River State.
The governor took this step after troubling reports linked the commission to employment racketeering and serious abuse of office.
Also, recent findings came from a recruitment exercise that raised widespread concerns across the state.
This announcement was made in a statement issued on Tuesday in Calabar by his Chief Press Secretary, Linus Obogo.
Governor Otu expressed strong displeasure over the revelations.
He said the behaviour uncovered amounted to “a betrayal of public trust” and went against the core values of public service.
According to the statement, “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 governor explained that the compromised recruitment exercise, which he had already suspended, remains cancelled until a new and credible process is designed.
He stressed that the replacement exercise will be transparent and based strictly on merit.
Governor Otu noted that his administration maintains zero tolerance for corruption. He said decisive actions will always be taken to protect the integrity of government institutions.
He added that any individual or body found undermining due process will face firm sanctions.
The governor assured residents that his government is committed to restoring confidence in the system.
He said public service opportunities must be accessed only through lawful and fair procedures.
