Gov Otu reshuffles cabinet, swears in two new commissioners

Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has reshuffled his Executive Council in a move aimed at strengthening governance and improving service delivery as his administration enters a new phase.

The changes were announced during an emergency meeting of the State Executive Council in Calabar, with several commissioners redeployed to new ministries, while others retained their portfolios based on performance.

Governor Otu described the exercise as a strategic realignment designed to consolidate the gains of his administration and accelerate the implementation of his People First agenda.

He said the reshuffle was neither a reward nor a punitive measure, but a leadership strategy to align competence with the evolving priorities of government.

“The government is a living institution that must constantly adjust to new realities. This exercise is about injecting fresh energy, maximising individual strengths and ensuring every member of this Executive Council remains focused on the larger vision of transforming Cross River State,” the governor said.

According to him, his administration has moved beyond laying the foundations and is now focused on consolidating achievements and delivering tangible results to the people.

Otu urged members of the Executive Council not to allow politics to distract them from governance as the state gradually approaches another election cycle.

“The people will judge us not by slogans but by roads constructed, hospitals revitalised, 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 no room for complacency,” he said.

The governor also reminded commissioners that no ministry was more important than another, stressing that every portfolio plays a critical role in improving the lives of citizens.

As part of the exercise, Chief Obi Ayuk Afor was sworn in as Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, while Mr Dodeye Arikpo was inaugurated as Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs.

Among those redeployed, Moses Osogi moved to the Ministry of Water Resources; Dr Erasmus Ekpang was transferred from the Ministry of Information to the Ministry of Lands; Bassey Mensa was reassigned to the Ministry of Environment; Chief Francis Ekpeyong took over the Ministry of Livestock Development; while Kingsley Egumi was redeployed to the Ministry of Transportation.

Members of the State Executive Council described the reshuffle as timely, expressing confidence that it would enhance the administration’s capacity to deliver on its development agenda.