Calabar, Cross River – In a decisive move to address allegations of corruption, Cross River State Governor, Bassey Edet Otu, has ordered the immediate suspension of the ongoing local government recruitment exercise.

The decision, announced late Wednesday, follows mounting accusations of misconduct and employment racketeering within the state’s Local Government Service Commission.

The suspension was confirmed in a statement from the governor’s office, which also revealed the acceptance of the resignation of the commission’s chairman, Mr. Darlington Bassey Eyo.

Investigations into the recruitment process uncovered evidence of gross misconduct, including favoritism, extortion, and illegal job placements, prompting swift action from the state administration.

Governor Otu described the recruitment process as “compromised” and emphasized that a thorough, transparent, and merit-based review would be conducted to restore public trust.

The controversy erupted after months of public outcry over alleged irregularities in the commission’s hiring practices.

Reports suggest that the recruitment exercise, intended to fill critical positions within the state’s local government workforce, had been marred by systemic abuses, with some officials allegedly soliciting bribes in exchange for job offers.

In a related development, sources indicate that Mr. Eyo’s resignation came amid pressure following findings of his involvement in the racketeering scandal.

While the governor’s statement framed the exit as a resignation, other reports suggest that his departure may have been enforced due to the severity of the allegations.

The suspension of the recruitment process has sparked mixed reactions among Cross River residents.

Some have praised Governor Otu’s prompt response as a step toward accountability, while others express concern over the delay in filling essential local government roles.

The governor has assured the public that his administration remains committed to sanitizing government institutions and ensuring fairness in employment practices.

A panel is expected to be constituted soon to oversee the review and redesign of the recruitment exercise, with details to be communicated in the coming days.

This incident marks the latest in a series of efforts by the Otu administration to address corruption within the state’s public sector, signaling a broader push for governance reforms in Cross River State.

As investigations continue, all eyes will be on the government to deliver on its promise of transparency and meritocracy.