The Cross River State Government, faced with significant financial challenges stemming from various Factors including accumulated Debts and high wage Bills, Initiated an Investigation into the State’s Civil Service and Local Councils to ascertain the actual number of Employees.
An Official report from a Personnel Audit Firm is pending, but Preliminary findings suggest a substantial presence of Ghost Workers within the Civil Service.
According to Sources familiar with the matter, the Audit conducted within the Civil Service has revealed the likely Presence of around 3,000 Ghost Workers.
However, this figure is subject to change pending the Completion of the Audit in the Local Councils and feedback from Labor Unions.
Governor Bassey Otu, during a press briefing marking his 100 days in Office, had highlighted concerns about the escalating Wage Bill despite a noticeable number of Retirements.
He emphasized the need for a Comprehensive Audit to accurately determine the exact number of Legitimate Employees, enabling the Government to make Informed Decisions on Staffing and Appointments.
Governor Otu also addressed the State’s Financial constraints, which were exacerbated by significant Debts and a Deficit Allocation from the Federation Account during his Initial months in Office.
The restructuring of Debts, particularly the settlement of the ECOWAS debt, was among the crucial steps taken to address the State’s precarious Financial Situation.
