Bassey Otu suspends LG recruitment in Cross River over corruption allegations

Bassey Otu, governor of Cross River, has ordered the immediate suspension of the recent recruitment exercise by the Local Government Service Commission in the state.

The development was disclosed in a statement signed by Linus Obogo, chief press secretary to the governor, on Thursday.

The suspension follows allegations of corruption, gross abuse of office, and widespread employment racketeering during the commission’s recruitment process.

Otu also accepted the resignation of Darlington Eyo, chairman of the commission, over his alleged role in the irregularities.

The governor directed that a fresh, transparent, and merit-based recruitment process be carried out to ensure fairness and restore credibility to the local government system.

“Cross River State Governor, His Excellency, Senator (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu, has accepted the resignation of Mr. Darlington Basey Eyo as Chairman of the Local Government Service Commission, following findings of gross abuse of office and widespread employment racketeering in the Commission’s recent recruitment exercise,” the statement reads.

“His Excellency has directed the immediate suspension of the compromised employment process pending a fresh, transparent, and merit-driven recruitment.

“A special review committee will be constituted to investigate the matter, identify culpable individuals, and recommend appropriate disciplinary and corrective measures in line with the administration’s zero tolerance for corruption.”

Otu reaffirmed that no act of impunity or abuse of office will be tolerated on his watch.

He underscored that transparency, accountability, and integrity remained the guiding principles of his “People-First” governance philosophy.

The governor assured citizens that future recruitment exercises will be strictly based on merit and competence.