Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has ordered the immediate suspension of the recent employment exercise carried out by the State Local Government Service Commission.

The order follows findings that uncovered claims of corruption, serious misconduct, and extensive job racketeering in the commission’s hiring process.

This was revealed in a statement released on Thursday by Mr. Linus Obogo, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor.

Governor Otu also approved the resignation of the commission’s chairman, Mr Darlington Eyo, following allegations linking him to the irregularities.

He also instructed that a fresh, transparent, and merit-driven recruitment exercise be conducted to guarantee fairness and restore public confidence in the local government system.

According to him, “I have set-up a special review committee to investigate the recruitment scandal and identify all individuals responsible for the malpractice.

“The committee is expected to recommend appropriate disciplinary and corrective actions in line with the administration’s zero tolerance for corruption,” the governor stated.

Otu reiterated that his administration would not condone any form of impunity or abuse of office.

In addition, he outlined that transparency, accountability, and integrity are the core values of his “People-First” governance philosophy.

He therefore assured citizens that all future recruitment exercises would be conducted strictly on the basis of merit and competence.