Cross River State Cracks Down on Financial Leakages: Over 3,000 Ghost Workers Uncovered
Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State, in a decisive move to curb financial wastage and promote accountability, initiated a comprehensive audit that has unearthed over 3,000 ghost workers in the state’s civil service. The revelation comes amidst the state’s concerted efforts to overcome financial hurdles largely attributed to accumulated debts, substantial wage bills, and mandatory deductions from the Federation Account.
Governor Bassey Otu, reflecting on the dire financial straits of the state, commissioned an audit firm to conduct an exhaustive personnel verification within the state civil service and local councils. Preliminary reports, although unofficial, indicate a significant number of non-existent employees draining the state’s resources.
“Our intention is not only to sanitize the payroll system but also to ensure financial resources are judiciously utilized for the development of Cross River State,” Governor Otu emphasized during his 100-day in office briefing. He expressed alarm at the incessant rise in the wage bill despite numerous retirements and unequivocally stated his administration’s commitment to bringing this anomaly to an end.
The audit, which is currently in the phase of documentation and physical verification within local councils, signals the government’s resolve in battling corruption and mismanagement of public funds. The exercise aligns with the administration’s agenda to bolster financial management, ensuring that resources are channeled towards strategic development and public welfare projects.
Governor Otu reassured citizens that the findings from the audit would form the basis for more transparent governance, thereby paving the way for economic stability and sustainable growth in Cross River State.