Cross River Probes Local Govt Recruitment

Cross River State government has set up a five-man panel to investigate the recent local government service recruitment exercise.

According to Prof. Anthony Owan Enoh, secretary to the state government (SSG), the panel is a response to numerous complaints and public outcry about the recruitment process.

Speaking to LEADERSHIP yesterday in Calabar, Enoh revealed that Governor Bassey Otu constituted the panel to look into the matter and make recommendations.

“The governor has constituted a five-man panel of inquiry to investigate the matter and make appropriate recommendations,” Enoh stated.

A release from the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, dated April 8, 2026, sighted by LEADERSHIP urged the panel to carry out its task “without fear or favour”.

Elder Gershom Davis will chair the panel, with Mary-Theresa Ikwen, a former Head of Service, serving as Secretary.

The panel will scrutinise the current payroll in the 18 local government councils and hold sittings in the three senatorial districts of the state to ensure wide coverage and accessibility.

“The panel will summon individuals as needed to facilitate its investigation,” Enoh said, adding that the schedule for the panel’s sittings will be released soon,” the SSG maintained.