The Cross River State Government has moved to investigate the recent local government service recruitment exercise following widespread complaints and public concern across the state.
In a press release dated April 8, 2026, and signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. A. Owan Enoh, the government announced the constitution of a five-member Panel of Inquiry to examine the conduct of the recruitment process and make appropriate recommendations.
According to the statement, Governor Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu approved the panel in response to what it described as numerous complaints and public outcry surrounding the exercise.
The panel is chaired by Elder Gershom Davis, with Mr. John Ndifon, Very Rev. Fr. Ignatius Itita, and Mr. Enoh Oweh Bana serving as members, while Ntunkae Mary-Theresa Ikwen will serve as secretary.
The government said the panel will review the propriety, legitimacy, and procedures of the recruitment process. It is also expected to receive oral and written submissions from members of the public on alleged discrepancies and irregularities.
Beyond the recruitment exercise itself, the committee has also been directed to scrutinize the true payroll position in the eighteen local government councils of the state.
To ensure broad participation, the panel will hold sittings in the three senatorial districts, while the schedule for the hearings will be announced once its work begins.
The development is already generating strong reactions, with many observers seeing it as a major step by the state government to address public concerns and restore confidence in the recruitment system.
