Governor Bassey Otu has ordered the immediate suspension of the local government recruitment exercise in Cross River State following allegations of fraud and irregularities.

The decision comes amid reports of job racketeering, lack of transparency, and alleged manipulation of the recruitment process within the Local Government Service Commission.

The state government said the exercise had been compromised, raising concerns about fairness and due process. In a statement issued by the governor’s office, the administration described the allegations as a serious breach of public trust, noting that urgent action was necessary to safeguard the integrity of the state’s public service system.

As part of the response, the government has set up a committee to investigate the recruitment process and identify those involved in the alleged malpractice. Officials say the panel will recommend appropriate sanctions for anyone found culpable.

The development has also led to leadership changes within the commission, as its chairman, Darlington Eyo, stepped down amid the controversy. Governor Otu reiterated his administration’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption, assuring residents that transparency and accountability would be upheld.

He added that a fresh recruitment process would be conducted once investigations are concluded, promising that it would be merit-based and free from interference.

The suspension is seen as part of broader efforts by the Cross River State government to restore confidence in public institutions and ensure credibility in employment processes at the grassroots level.