By Frank Ulom
CALABAR (CONVERSEER) – Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu has constituted a 5-member panel of inquiry to investigate the recent recruitment into the Local Government Service Commission.
According to a statement by Prof. Anthony Owan-Enoh, Secretary to the State Government, on Wednesday, 8 April 2026, the development is in response to numerous complaints and public outcry regarding the conduct of the Local Government Service recruitment exercise.
According to the statement, the Panel of Inquiry is to investigate the matter and make appropriate recommendations.
The members of the Panel are as follows:
1. Elder Gershom Davis – Chairman
2. Mr John Ndifon – Member
3. Very Rev. Fr. Ignatius Itita – Member
4. Mr Enoh Oweh Bana – Member
5. Ntunkae Mary-Threresa Ikwen – Secretary
“The Panel of Inquiry will review the propriety, legitimacy and procedures of the recruitment process, invite the public to make oral or written representations with respect to alleged discrepancies and irregularities with a view to addressing them.
“The Committee is equally mandated to scrutinise the true position of the current payroll in the eighteen Local Government Councils.
“Furthermore, the Panel of Inquiry will hold sittings in the three Senatorial Districts to ensure wide coverage and accessibility and will summon individuals as needed to facilitate its investigation. The schedule for the Panel’s sitings will be released as soon as the Panel commences work.
“This decisive action underscores the present administration’s unwavering commitment to upholding the principles of fairness, justice and good governance,” the statement added.
