Calabar — In a decisive move aimed at restoring integrity in the state’s public service, 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 linked to the Commission’s most recent recruitment exercise.
The announcement, which came from Government House in Calabar, marks one of the most sweeping administrative actions taken by Governor Otu since assuming office, underscoring his administration’s “People First” commitment to accountability, transparency, and ethical governance.
What Triggered the Dissolution
According to authoritative government sources, the Local Government Service Commission came under scrutiny after multiple petitions alleged that the Commission oversaw a recruitment process marred by:
- Sale of employment slots to applicants
- Manipulation of recruitment lists
- Unauthorized issuance of appointment letters
- Disregard for due process and civil service rules
- Preferential treatment and political interference
An internal audit and fact-finding team reportedly discovered breaches significant enough to warrant immediate intervention from the Governor’s office. The investigative panel is said to have confirmed widespread irregularities that compromised the integrity of the recruitment process and violated the state’s employment laws.
These findings prompted Governor Otu to take the decisive step of dissolving the entire Board to allow for deeper investigations and a complete overhaul of recruitment mechanisms in the local government system.
Governor Otu’s Statement
Although the Governor’s detailed statement is expected to be made public formally, officials familiar with the directive say Governor Otu expressed strong displeasure over the Commission’s conduct, emphasizing that:
- Employment racketeering will not be tolerated under his administration.
- Public institutions must uphold fairness and meritocracy.
- The integrity of the local government system must be restored.
- Anyone found culpable will face full disciplinary and legal consequences.
Governor Otu reportedly noted that the alleged actions of the Commission were not only illegal but also undermined the trust of citizens who look to the government for equitable employment opportunities.
Implications for the Recruitment Exercise
Following the dissolution, several outcomes are expected:
1. Suspension or Cancellation of All Recent Appointments
All appointments made during the controversial recruitment exercise may be reviewed, suspended, or outright cancelled depending on findings from ongoing investigations.
2. Verification of Employment Letters
Government House sources suggest that many appointment letters issued by the dissolved Commission are already under scrutiny. Some may be invalidated if confirmed to have been fraudulently obtained.
3. Possible Prosecution of Offenders
Those implicated — including former Board members, Commission staff, and external collaborators — may face administrative sanctions, dismissal, or prosecution.
4. Reconstitution of the Board
Governor Otu is expected to announce a new interim leadership or caretaker committee to manage the Commission pending full reorganization.
Reactions From Across the State
Civil Society and Labour Groups Welcome the Move
Early reactions from civil society organizations applaud the Governor’s swift intervention. Many describe the dissolution as necessary to clean up deep-rooted corruption within the local government service structure.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Cross River chapter, has reportedly been monitoring the issue closely for months, following complaints by job applicants who alleged extortion and unfair treatment.
Public Sentiment: Relief and Skepticism
While some residents have expressed relief that the government is taking the matter seriously, others remain skeptical, noting that the Commission has long been associated with irregular recruitment practices.
Many citizens are calling for:
- Transparent investigations
- Publication of findings
- Reforms to ensure this does not happen again
Some affected applicants say they hope the government will either reinstate merit-based appointments or conduct a fresh recruitment exercise with strict oversight.
A Broader Crackdown on Public Service Corruption?
Governor Otu’s dissolution of the Commission may signal the beginning of a broader administrative reform targeting:
- Local government payroll cleaning
- Elimination of ghost workers
- Standardization of recruitment processes
- Enhanced oversight of government agencies
Analysts say Otu’s decision comes at a time when several states across Nigeria are battling similar employment racketeering scandals, where applicants are forced to pay between ₦150,000 and ₦500,000 for government jobs.
If followed through rigorously, the Governor’s action could set a precedent for transparency-driven reforms within the state civil service.
What Happens Next?
The Cross River State Government is expected to:
- Set up a full investigative panel with legal, administrative, and anti-corruption experts.
- Suspend or audit all recruitment-related documents issued by the dissolved Commission.
- Reorganize the Local Government Service Commission with new members who have proven integrity and experience.
- Implement a monitored, merit-based recruitment framework for future employment.
Residents, job seekers, and public service stakeholders are now watching closely to see how far the government will go in addressing the structural issues that enabled the scandal.
Conclusion
The dissolution of the Cross River State Local Government Service Commission marks a dramatic turning point in Governor Bassey Otu’s administration. By acting decisively against employment racketeering and alleged abuse of office, the Governor has signaled a zero-tolerance approach to corruption and maladministration within the public sector.
Yet, the true test will be in how thoroughly the government cleans up the system, holds wrongdoers accountable, and restores trust in public institutions. The people of Cross River — especially young job seekers — will be looking for meaningful reforms, not just headline announcements.
As investigations unfold, this developing story will continue to shape public discourse around governance, transparency, and accountability in the state.
