Gov Otu Inaugurates Local Government Service Commission, Vows Crackdown on Corruption, Ghost Workers
Governor of Cross River State, Bassey Otu, has inaugurated a new Local Government Service Commission, charging members to restore integrity, eliminate corruption, and reposition the system for effective service delivery.
The inauguration, held Tuesday at the Executive Council Chamber in Calabar, followed the dissolution of the previous commission after widespread public outcry and loss of confidence.
Addressing members of the commission, the governor stressed that their assignment goes beyond routine appointments, describing it as an opportunity to rebuild public trust.
“The primary charge is to uphold the integrity of the service and support this administration’s total absolute abhorrence of corruption. Corruption is a betrayal of public trust and must not be condoned,” he said.
He urged the commission to tackle the menace of ghost workers and enforce discipline through regular monitoring and supervision.
“The onus is on you to prove your mettle by tackling ghost workers and breaking new grounds. The era of lax supervision must end,” Otu stated.
The governor also revealed irregularities in the system, including inflated payrolls and cases of illegal financial demands from job seekers, warning that such practices would not be tolerated.
“For those who collected money from people under the guise of offering jobs, you must return it. We will not allow exploitation of our citizens,” he warned.
He added that steps were already being taken to sanitise the system, including payroll verification, while reaffirming his administration’s commitment to strengthening local government administration as the closest tier of government to the people.
Responding, the Chairman of the Commission, Eyo Nsa Ekpo, thanked the governor for the confidence reposed in the team and pledged their readiness to deliver.
“We have taken the charge given to us and we assure you that we will not fail in this important assignment,” he said.
The newly appointed Local Government Service commission comprises Barr. Eyo Nsa Ekpo as Chairman, alongside Dr. Ekeng Effiong Edet, Dr. Emmanuel Itakui Ntuyan, Dr. Godwin Ondale Akpor, Hon. Obia Lawrence Bassey, Hon. Rita Ayim, and Hon. John Olom Otu as members.
