By Sylvia Akpan And Anita Otu
The Governor of Cross River State, Sen. Bassey Otu has sounded alarm bells on employment extortion unfolding itself in the state.
The alarm was raised in a public service announcement signed by the Head of Service in the state, Obol Dr. Innocent Eteng, dated September 23, 2024, with reference number GO/HOS/4/Vol.III/210.
He said the public service rules frowning against the highly condemnable practice. He said unscrupulous elements swindle anxious civil/public servants and the public on the pretext of offering them employment, promotions, or/and implementation of earned promotions.
He said the Office of the Head of Service and the Service Commissions and Boards would not hesitate to deal decisively with any person(s) who tries to test the might of the government by dwelling in this unholy act unless they stop.
The statement reads “The attention of the Head of Service of Cross River State has been drawn to the alleged extortion of monies within the Civil/Public Service by some unscrupulous elements who swindle anxious Civil/Public Servants and the public on the pretext of offering them employment, promotions or/and implementation of earned promotions.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Public Service Rules prohibits this untoward practice which is not only condemnable but also unacceptable in the new service of Cross River State.
“Accordingly, the Head of Service and indeed the State Government dissociates itself from the increasing reports of extortion from gullible members of the public and Civil Servants, as it has not directed any individual or group to collect any fee from anybody for the purpose of recruitment, promotion or the implementation of same.
“It is therefore, expedient to state unequivocally that, the Office of the Head of Service in conjunction with the Service Commissions and Boards shall not hesitate to deal decisively with any person(s) who tries to test the might of the government by dwelling in this unholy act.
“This Public Service release serves as a final warning to those who may hide in the service to perpetuate extortion with a view to denting the image of government as culprits shall face the full wrath of the law.
“The Civil/Public Servants and indeed the general public should be guided accordingly, please.”
Leave feedback about this