Ukorebi Esien | April 21, 2026
CALABAR –The Cross River State Local Government Service Commission (CRSLGSB) has announced the commencement of a formal investigation into the controversial local government recruitment exercise carried out by the immediate past commission, calling on members of the public to submit evidence and testimonies.
Chairman of the Commission, Eyo Nsa Ekpo Esq., disclosed this on Monday during a press interaction at the Commission’s headquarters, stating that the move followed the state government’s decision to dissolve the previous commission over alleged irregularities in the recruitment process.
According to Ekpo, a five-member investigative panel headed by Elder Gershom Davies, with Barrister Mrs. Mary Theresa Ikwen, former Head of Service, as secretary, has already begun sitting at the Conference Room of the Office of the Head of Service in Calabar.
He explained that the panel was mandated to probe what he described as an “unwholesome” recruitment exercise that failed to follow due process, urging affected persons and individuals with credible information to come forward.
“The essence of this interaction is to intimate the public that the panel is now sitting and to urge all those who have useful information regarding that recruitment exercise to appear before it. This includes those who were recruited but have not been payrolled, as well as those who witnessed or were involved in any aspect of the process,” Ekpo said.
The chairman raised concerns over reports of intimidation allegedly targeted at potential witnesses, assuring that the state government would provide adequate protection and even incentives for those willing to testify.
“We are aware that some persons are being intimidated not to appear before the panel. We want to assure the public that the government will protect and reward anyone who comes forward to tell the truth,” he added.
Providing insight into the scale of the alleged irregularities, Ekpo revealed that official records showed that only 900 employment slots were approved by the government in two batches of 500 and 400, but the number of purported recruitments reportedly surged to over 7,500.
He further noted that standard recruitment procedures, including the use of a digital application platform, verification of credentials, and structured interviews, were not followed. Instead, forms were allegedly distributed manually, and names forwarded for payroll placement without proper screening.
“A lot happened that should not have happened. People were pressured, and due process was completely ignored. This is why the government is determined to unravel everything and ensure that such practices do not recur,” he stated.
On the growing agitation among some individuals claiming to have received appointment letters, Ekpo maintained that while citizens have the constitutional right to seek legal redress or form associations, the commission remains focused on ensuring a thorough and transparent investigation.
“No one can be stopped from approaching the court if they feel aggrieved. That is their fundamental right. However, we believe this panel provides an opportunity for all issues to be properly examined in the interest of justice and the state,” he said.
The panel, he disclosed, will sit daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and will subsequently move across the three senatorial districts—Southern, Central, and Northern—to ensure wider access for affected individuals.
While declining to speculate on the fate of those allegedly recruited, Ekpo noted that the final decision would depend on the recommendations of the panel and the state government’s white paper.
He, however, assured that the outcome of the investigation would align with the broader interest of Cross Riverians.
“This is a people-first government. Whatever decision is taken at the end of this process will be guided by fairness, justice, and the overall good of the state,” he said.
The investigation is expected to shed light on one of the most contentious public sector recruitment exercises in recent times in the state.
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