Akwa Ibom LG Commission Denies ‘Bribery-for-Promotion’ Allegation

Chairman of the Local Government Service Commission (LGSC) in Akwa Ibom State, Mr Monday Eyo, has denied “bribe-for-promotion’ allegation levelled against the agency by the workers.

LEADERSHIP gathered that the commission was allegedly extorting N4,000 from every local government worker before being issued with 2023 promotion letter.

But Eyo dismissed the publication as absolute falsehood fabricated by the purveyors for mischievous reasons.

The chairman clarified while addressing participants at the ongoing two-day 2024 Pre-Promotion Seminar organised by the commission at the multi-purpose hall in Uyo, the state capital.

He said, “Someone woke me up this morning and said that there is a publication saying that we are extorting money from our staff in the local government councils. It’s not possible.

“A committee was set up to plan and come up with the annual report for the commission, headed by the commissioner II, Otuekong Ibiok, as the chairman of the committee on promotion and placement, with other commissioners as members, including the representative of the workers in that committee, which is the NULGE president in the state, just like what is obtainable in the state civil service commission.

“An agreement was reached and approval was given for the production of the annual report booklets and the price was fixed at N4,000 each. The money was meant for the purchase of the annual report and not for any other purpose.

“It is mandatory for all staff to buy a copy of the annual report, as part of the requirements for the promotion screening and interview. Please disregard such report, it is the handiwork of mischief makers.”

He maintained that all monies collected from the annual report were paid into government designated revenue accounts, which were receipted for, adding that “those who refused to buy a copy of the annual report, were the ones complaining.”

He applauded Governor Umo Eno, for his positive impacts engendered by the Unified Local Government Service (ULGS), especially in clearing of the outstanding backlog of 2023 leave grants, arrears of salaries owed to various LGAs’ workers, monthly release of money for payment of pensions and gratuities, as well as the approval for the conduct of the promotion exercise.