Governor Otu dissolves the entire commission after a recruitment scandal sparks outrage and prompts a renewed push for transparency in public service hiring.
Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu has dissolved the entire Board of the Local Government Service Commission following a series of allegations linking the body to employment racketeering and serious misconduct. The sweeping decision marks one of the governor’s strongest anti-corruption actions since taking office.
The dismissal was announced in Calabar on Tuesday November 18, 2025, through a statement issued by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Linus Obogo. The move came after internal findings revealed deep irregularities in a recent recruitment exercise overseen by the commission, triggering widespread criticism across the state.
Governor Otu, visibly angered by the revelations, described the conduct uncovered as a “betrayal of public trust” and a direct violation of the values expected of public servants. He stressed that no administration can function effectively when agencies responsible for service delivery are themselves compromised.
According to the statement, the governor approved the immediate dissolution of the board after receiving reports of “gross abuse of office and widespread employment racketeering.” The controversial recruitment exercise, already suspended by the government, has now been fully cancelled.
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Otu said a fresh recruitment process would be introduced but only after a transparent and credible framework is established. The governor emphasized that future opportunities in the state’s public service would be awarded strictly on merit and in line with due process.
He reiterated his administration’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption and warned that any individual or institution found undermining government procedures would face firm disciplinary measures. Otu added that decisive action is essential to protect the integrity of public institutions and rebuild public confidence.
Residents have long complained about irregular hiring practices in the state’s local government system, and Tuesday’s announcement was met with both relief and calls for deeper reforms. Civil society groups have urged the state government to ensure that future recruitment is monitored closely to prevent the re-emergence of systemic abuses.
Governor Otu assured citizens that his administration remains committed to strengthening public institutions and safeguarding opportunities meant for qualified applicants. He noted that credible governance depends on fairness and accountability at every level of the system.
Now the dissolution is in effect, attention is expected to shift to the appointment of a new board and the rollout of reforms designed to restore trust in Cross River State’s public service recruitment processes.