The Cross River State Government, under the leadership of Bassey Edet Otu, has taken decisive steps to clamp down on fraudulent activities linked to the recent local government job recruitment exercise.
The Chairman of the Cross River State Local Government Service Commission, Barr Eyo Nsa Ekpo , disclosed that the Governor has constituted a five-member panel to investigate all irregularities surrounding the recruitment process.
According to him, the investigation became necessary because many Cross Riverians have suffered unjustly. While some applicants were employed but have not received salaries, others reportedly paid money but were never given jobs. There are also claims of other forms of exploitation during the exercise.
Barr. Eyo stated that only 900 Cross Riverians were meant to be recruited, in line with the directive of Governor Otu at the time. However, more than 7,000 people were eventually employed, creating serious challenges for the state government.
He further explained that the panel will sit from Monday to Friday at the conference room of the Office of the Head of Service, located within the State Secretariat in Calabar.
He urged every resident of Cross River State who may have been defrauded or has useful information about the recruitment exercise to come forward with evidence, either in person or through written documents. He said such evidence would help speed up the panel’s investigation.
Barr Eyo Nsa Ekpo assured the public that no one should be intimidated or afraid to testify, stressing that their safety would be guaranteed. He added that those who come forward with credible information may also be rewarded, noting that Governor Otu is committed to ensuring justice.
He concluded by assuring Cross Riverians in the other senatorial districts not to worry, as the committee will also visit their areas. According to him, a timetable will soon be released indicating when the panel members will visit the other senatorial districts across the state.
