Cross River State Governor Initiates Comprehensive Staff Audit in Civil and Public Service
In a bid to ensure transparency, efficiency, and accuracy in the state’s civil and public service, His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, Governor of Cross River State, has issued a directive for an immediate audit and verification of all staff. The exercise will also include employees of the Unified Local Government Service in the state. The comprehensive audit is set to commence on Monday, 31st July, and will continue until Friday, 4th August, 2023.
The verification exercise will be conducted simultaneously in two centers located in the Northern Senatorial Zone of Cross River State. The first center, Ogoja, will accommodate staff from Ogoja, Bekwarra, and Yala Local Government Areas, while the second center, Obudu, will cater to staff from Obudu and Obanlikwu Local Government Areas.
Dr. Innocent E. Eteng, the Permanent Secretary (GAO) and representative of the Secretary to the State Government, announced the details of the exercise in a press release dated 27th July, 2023.
All employees are mandatorily required to participate in the audit and verification exercise. Failure to comply with the requirements may result in the omission of their names from the verified payroll that will be generated from the exercise.
The following documents have been listed as mandatory for the audit process:
1. Complete Enrollment form
2. Letter of first Appointment
3. Letter of Confirmation
4. Last 2 letters of Promotion
5. Staff Identity card
6. Birth Certificate or Affidavit of Birth
7. Educational Qualifications
8. BVN (Bank Verification Number)
9. Current Pay slip
The verification exercise aims to streamline the state’s workforce and eliminate any discrepancies in the payroll system. By conducting this audit, the government of Cross River State intends to identify and rectify issues such as ghost workers, inaccurate data, and potential cases of fraud or misrepresentation.
In a statement, Governor Prince Bassey Edet Otu emphasized the importance of a credible and efficient public service system, stating that “an effective workforce is crucial for the development and progress of the state.”
The government has urged all employees to cooperate fully with the auditors during the verification process and ensure the submission of accurate and genuine documents. This exercise reflects the government’s commitment to good governance and its determination to build a responsible and accountable civil and public service.
As the audit commences, anticipation rises among both government employees and the general public, eager to witness the outcomes of this large-scale verification exercise in Cross River State. The findings are expected to not only ensure the financial health of the state but also boost the confidence of citizens in their government’s efforts towards transparency and accountability.
