Cross River Govt To Begin Forensic Audit Of Civil Servants’ Certificates January 2026

Government Moves To Clean Up Civil Service Credentials

The Cross River State Government is set to commence a comprehensive forensic audit of certificates and qualifications held by civil servants from January 2026, a development aimed at restoring integrity and professionalism within the state civil service.

Journalists were informed that the decision followed months of internal reviews which exposed widespread discrepancies in the academic and professional records submitted by several senior officials. According to information Akahi News gathered, the government considers the exercise a necessary step to reposition the system for greater accountability and efficiency.

Widespread Certificate Irregularities Uncovered

Competent government insiders disclosed to Akahi News that several top-ranking officers may have obtained their positions through questionable means. One senior official revealed that the state recently uncovered a shocking case involving a serving Permanent Secretary who allegedly claims to hold a doctorate degree from a university that has not even graduated its first set of bachelor’s degree students.

Sources stressed that such situations are “impossible” and cannot be allowed to persist within a system that relies heavily on merit, professionalism, and public trust. Akahi News learnt that the audit will also expose officers whose promotions were secured using falsified grade levels, manipulated records, or inflated qualifications.

In one instance, investigators reportedly found massive evidence of inaccurate grade placements, enabling some civil servants to rise far above their legitimate ranks. The audit, insiders said, is expected to correct these anomalies by restoring officers to their appropriate grade levels—or in severe cases, showing them “the exit door.”

Audit To Address Professional Certifications And Safety Compliance

Beyond academic qualifications, the exercise will also scrutinise professional certifications, many of which are suspected to be forged or fraudulently obtained. Government sources told Akahi News that the review will extend to industry-specific certifications tied to safety standards, professional regulations, and statutory requirements.

The focus, they explained, is to verify the authenticity, validity, and accuracy of all documents submitted by public officers, while identifying patterns of forgery, alteration, or falsification that may have gone undetected for years.

According to insiders who spoke with journalists, the state is determined to ensure that only personnel with verified and credible qualifications remain in public service.

Governor Otu Gives Full Backing

Governor Bassey Otu has reportedly given his full approval for the sweeping audit, describing it as a critical tool for restoring order, competence, and professionalism in the civil service. Information available to Akahi News indicates that the governor believes the outcome will help strengthen the administrative structure of the state and improve delivery of government services.

Officials familiar with the process told Akahi News that the government will implement the findings of the audit without fear or favour, noting that the review is aligned with the administration’s broader reforms aimed at promoting transparency, productivity, and accountability.

The forensic audit is expected to reshape the civil service and reinforce public confidence in the state’s bureaucratic system as Cross River embarks on a new era of administrative discipline.

By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
Joseph Iyaji is a journalist, educator, and founder of Akahi G. International, Akahi Tutors, and Akahi News. Read more about him here.
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