… charges team on integrity
By Onwa Ekor
Cross River governor, Prince Bassey Otu, has charged members of the newly inaugurated Local Government Service Commission (LGSC), to restore integrity, eliminate corruption, and reposition the system for effective service delivery.
The inauguration, held at the Executive Council Chamber in Calabar, followed the dissolution of the previous Commission after public outcry and loss of confidence.
Addressing members of the Commission, Otu said that their assignment goes beyond routine appointments, describing it as an opportunity to rebuild public trust.
“The primary charge is to uphold the integrity of the service and support this administration’s zero tolerance for corruption as corruption is a betrayal of public trust and must not be condoned,” he said.
He enjoined the commission to tackle the menace of ghost workers and enforce discipline through regular monitoring and supervision.
“The onus is on you to prove your mettle by tackling ghost workers and breaking new grounds as the era of lax supervision must end,” Otu stated.
The governor also revealed irregularities in the system, including inflated payrolls and cases of illegal financial demands from job seekers, warning that such practices would not be tolerated.
“For those who collected money from people under the guise of offering jobs, you must return the funds as we will not allow exploitation of our citizens,” he warned.
He added that steps were already being taken to sanitise the system, including payroll verification as his administration remains committed to strengthening local government administration.
Responding, Chairman of the Commission, Eyo Nsa Ekpo, thanked the governor for the confidence reposed in the team and pledged his team’s readiness to deliver.
“We have taken the charge given to us and we assure you that we will not fail in this important assignment,” he said.
The Commission comprises Barr. Eyo Nsa Ekpo as Chairman, while Dr. Ekeng Effiong Edet, Dr. Emmanuel Itakui Ntuyan, Dr. Godwin Ondale Akpor, Hon. Obia Lawrence Bassey, Hon. Rita Ayim, and Hon. John Olom Otu will serve as members.
