𝐎𝐭𝐮 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐂’𝐑𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐋𝐆 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐛𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐮𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has dissolved the Board of the Local Government Service Commission after confirming cases of employment racketeering and alleged abuse of office in the commission’s recent recruitment exercise.

In a statement issued on Tuesday in Calabar by his Chief Press Secretary, Linus Obogo, the governor described the development as a serious breach of trust and a violation of the principles guiding public service. He said the unethical actions uncovered amounted to a “betrayal of public trust” and required immediate corrective measures.

“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 statement read.

Otu noted that the tainted recruitment process—which he had earlier suspended—would remain invalid until a fresh exercise is conducted. He assured that the new recruitment would be transparent, merit-based, and aligned with his administration’s accountability standards.

“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 further pledged to restore public confidence by ensuring that all employment opportunities in the state are accessed strictly through due process. He stressed that anyone found undermining established procedures would face firm sanctions as part of efforts to strengthen governance and rebuild trust in public systems.