By our correspondent
The Cross River State Government has began audit of all official vehicles abandoned across various mechanical workshops by Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs)
The government described the trend as a flagrant abuse of public assets and a drain on state resources.
The move also followed growing concerns over the poor state of government-owned vehicles and allegations of wasteful management practices within some MDAs.
Several reports had alleged that many official vehicles in recent months had been left to rot in workshops over negligible mechanical faults.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday by the Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Linus Obogo.
Governor Bassey Otu, according to the statement, expressed “grave concern” over the “increasing and unsanctioned practice” of leaving government vehicles unattended, even for minor repairs, by some MDAs.
He warned that such actions were in clear violation of the administration’s policies on fiscal discipline, accountability, and operational efficiency.
“All MDAs are hereby mandated to undertake a comprehensive audit of all official vehicles presently undergoing repairs or parked at mechanic workshops, whether within or outside the territorial jurisdiction of the State,” the statement read in part.
In addition to the audit, the governor directed all affected MDAs to urgently complete the necessary repairs and return the vehicles to active service without delay.
The statement further warned that any government-owned vehicle found to be idle or underutilised without valid justification will be recovered by the Department of Asset Management and Recovery and reassigned to agencies in need.
The government also hinted at impending sanctions for erring officials, citing existing civil service rules and regulations.
“This directive is to be accorded the highest level of administrative attention, as any further instances of negligence, inefficiency, or willful dissipation of public resources shall attract appropriate sanctions,” the CPS added.
