Cross River State governor, Bassey Otu, has threatened to sanction anyone found culpable in the controversial recruitment exercise into the Unified Local Government Service (ULGS), reiterating his administration’s commitment to due process and accountability in public service.

The governor made the declaration in Calabar, during a meeting with members of the state executive council, where he addressed governance, accountability and political activities ahead of the administration’s third anniversary.

Otu stressed that his government will not tolerate misconduct capable of undermining public confidence in governance.

Reacting to the controversy surrounding the recruitment process, Otu said the government acted swiftly, following widespread complaints and public outrage over alleged irregularities.

He disclosed that the chairman and members of the Unified Local Government Service Commission have been relieved of their duties after government discovered breaches of official directives.

“Government noticed a breach of directives in the recruitment of staff of the ULGS. Following this, the chairman and members of the commission were relieved of their duties,” the governor stated.

To uncover the extent of the alleged irregularities, Otu announced the constitution of a five-member panel of inquiry to investigate the recruitment process and audit payroll structures across the 18 local government areas of the state.

He said the panel will examine procedures adopted in the exercise, determine the true financial position of local government payrolls and recommend disciplinary actions where necessary.

The governor described the intervention as necessary in response to what he called ‘relentless complaints and unbearable public outcry’, insisting that anyone found guilty of exploiting unemployed youths through illegal monetary demands will face severe consequences.

He maintained that such actions contradicted the administration’s ‘People First’ philosophy and cast a negative image on government.

Beyond the recruitment controversy, Otu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to development, announcing plans for inspection and inauguration of completed projects across the 18 local government areas.

He also disclosed the resumption of bursary payments for students in tertiary institutions, special grants for medical students and government support for victims of a recent student accident involving the University of Cross River State. (Nigerian Tribune)