Gov. Otu Effects Cabinet Changes to Reinvigorate Governance, Swears-in 2 New Commissioners
By Uket Oka, Calabar
Cross River Governor, Prince Bassey Otu, has announced a cabinet reshufflement of his State Executive Council (EXCO).
Announcing the cabinet changes on Monday at an emergency meeting of the State Executive Council in Calabar, the State capital, Otu said the action was a strategic move aimed at reinvigorating governance and positioning his administration for greater efficiency as it enters the electioneering phase.
The decision saw the redeployment of some Commissioners to new ministries, while others retained their portfolios in recognition of their outstanding performance.
Those affected include the Commissioner for Environment, Obol Moses Osogi, who is now moved to Water Resources, while his counterpart at Water Resources, Barr. Bassey Mensah is now to oversee Environment, the Commissioner for Information, Dr Erasmus Ekpang is now the Commissioner for Lands, while his Lands counterpart, Francis Ekpenyong is now Commissioner for Livestock.
Similarly, the Commissioner for Transport, Pastor Ekpenyong Cobham, is now moved to Information, and the Commissioner for Livestock , Aquaculture and Fisheries Development, Kingsley Egumi, is now to oversee the Ministry of Transport.
The Governor described the exercise as a deliberate recalibration of government machinery to consolidate the gains of his administration and accelerate the delivery of his People First agenda.
Addressing members of the Executive Council, Governor Otu stated that the cabinet reshuffle was neither punitive nor a reward system, but a necessary leadership instrument designed to align talent with evolving governance priorities.
“Government is a living institution; it must constantly adjust to new realities. This exercise is about injecting fresh energy, maximizing individual strengths, and ensuring that every member of this cabinet remains focused on the larger vision of transforming Cross River State. We have crossed the threshold of foundation-laying; this is the season of consolidation and accelerated delivery,” the Governor said.
He reminded council members that with the administration approaching another electoral cycle, the expectations of citizens had become even higher, insisting that only measurable performance, innovation, and unwavering commitment to public service would define the legacy of his government.
“Electioneering must never distract us from governance. The people will judge us, not by slogans, but by roads constructed, hospitals revitalized, schools improved, jobs created, and the quality of life we have enhanced. Every commissioner must see his or her ministry as a performance centre. There is absolutely no room for complacency,” the governor stressed.
Otu further urged the State Executive Council members to regard their new assignments as opportunities for renewed service rather than personal victories or setbacks, stressing that collective success remained the administration’s ultimate objective.
“There are no superior or inferior ministries. Every portfolio is strategic because every ministry touches the lives of our people. Whether you have been reassigned or retained, your mandate remains unchanged—to serve with integrity, discipline, creativity, and absolute loyalty to the people of Cross River State. History will remember results, not titles,” he stated.
The Governor also called for stronger collaboration across ministries, departments, and agencies, noting that the complexities of modern governance demanded teamwork rather than institutional rivalry.
“This administration must continue to speak with one voice and work with one purpose. Let us eliminate bureaucratic silos, deepen inter-ministerial cooperation, and pursue every policy with urgency and accountability. The confidence of our people is our greatest political capital, and we must justify it every single day through visible, impactful governance,” he said.
Meanwhile, Governor Bassey Otu has sworn in two new Commissioners.
They are, the Commissioner Tourism, Arts and Culture, Dr. Ayuk Obi Afor and the Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Mr. Dodeye Arikpo.
