Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has dissolved the entire Board of the Local Government Service Commission following reports of employment racketeering and serious abuse of office.

The governor’s action comes in the wake of troubling findings from a recent recruitment exercise, which raised widespread concerns across the state. The announcement was made on Tuesday in Calabar through his Chief Press Secretary, Linus Obogo.

Expressing strong displeasure over the revelations, Governor Otu described the conduct as “a betrayal of public trust” that contravenes the core values of public service. “Following reports of gross abuse of office and widespread employment racketeering in the Local Government Service Commission’s recruitment exercise, His Excellency, Senator Bassey Otu has approved the immediate dissolution of the Board,” the statement read.

Governor Otu explained that the compromised recruitment exercise, already suspended, is now cancelled until a new, credible process is established. He emphasized that the replacement exercise will be transparent and strictly merit-based.

Reiterating his administration’s zero tolerance for corruption, the governor warned that any individual or body found undermining due process will face firm sanctions. He assured residents that his government remains committed to restoring confidence in public institutions and ensuring that public service opportunities are accessed through lawful and fair procedures.