NIGERIA, CALABAR – Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, has approved the constitution of the African Sub-Sovereign Governments Network (AFSNET) 2026 Conference Committee and also accepted the resignation of the Local Government Service Commission Chairman, Mr. Darlington Bassey Eyo.
In a release from the Governor’s Office on Wednesday, Chief Press Secretary, Linus Obogo, said both decisions reflect Governor Otu’s ethical leadership and commitment to transparency in governance and economic development.
The AFSNET 2026 Committee, according to the statement, will coordinate the State’s engagement in the Afreximbank-led Investment Conference aimed at strengthening intra-African trade and investment among sub-sovereign governments.
The committee is chaired by Prof. Eyo Etim Nyong and includes Barr. Tina Banku Agbor, Barr. Nella Andem Ewa (SAN, FCIArb.), Sir Engr. David Ewe Abang, Bikom John Owan, and Rev. Victor Edet as members, with Chief Mrs. Martina Udom serving as Secretary.
Obogo said the governor expects the committee to “demonstrate professionalism and innovation” in preparing Cross River to play a lead role in regional economic cooperation and sustainable trade partnerships.
Meanwhile, Governor Otu has also accepted the resignation of Mr. Darlington Bassey Eyo following findings of gross abuse of office and employment racketeering in the Local Government Service Commission’s recent recruitment process.
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The governor, according to Obogo, directed the immediate suspension of the tainted recruitment and ordered a transparent, merit-based replacement exercise to restore fairness in public service employment.
A special review committee, the statement added, will be set up to investigate the scandal, identify those involved, and recommend appropriate disciplinary and corrective actions.
Governor Otu reaffirmed his administration’s zero tolerance for corruption, stressing that “no act of impunity will be allowed to stain the public trust in government.”
Obogo said the governor’s action sends a clear message that integrity and accountability remain the cornerstone of his administration’s service to the people.
Public observers have commended the governor’s swift response, noting that both decisions, one promoting economic diplomacy and the other enforcing ethical discipline, demonstrate balanced leadership grounded in situational ethics.
As the AFSNET 2026 preparations intensify and the recruitment probe begins, Cross River citizens expect a more transparent, accountable, and development-driven administration