…as Otu redeploys seven, swears in two, 22 retain former positions
By Onwa Ekor
Determined to reinvigorate governance while positioning his administration for greater efficiency as it enters the electioneering phase, Cross River governor, Prince Bassey Otu, has reshuffled his cabinet, even as he announced the redeployment of seven commissioners to new ministries.
Two new commissioners earlier cleared by the State House of Assembly, also took their oaths of office before the governor and enlarged executive council, while 22 others retained headships of the previous ministries held for about three years.
The newly sworn in commissioners are Chief Obi Ayuk, who now occupies the Tourism, Arts and Culture ministry, a position that was left vacant for over a year following the demise of the former occupier, Late Abubakar Ewa, as well as the Ministry of Special duties and intergovernmental relations now headed by Dodeye Arikpo, following the resignation of the former occupant, Oden Ewa, who now seeks senatorial elections.
Among the redeployed commissioners are Dr. Erasmus Ekpang who moves from the ministry of Information to Lands, Pastor Ekpenyong Cobham who now heads the Information and orientation ministry, vacating his former transportation ministry which is now headed by a former commissioner for human capital entrepreneurial, Hon. Kingsley Egumi.
Others include, former commissioner of the Environment ministry, Hon Moses Osogi, who moves to Water Resources; Ntufam Emmanuel Anom, former boss of the ministry of livestock, aquaculture and fisheries development, now heading Human capital development; Francis Ekpenyong who headed the Lands Ministry now redeployed to the ministry of livestock, aquaculture and fisheries development, as well as former commissioner for water resources, Barr Mensah Bassey who is reassigned to the ministry of Environment.
Announcing the developments during an emergency meeting of the State Executive Council in Calabar, the governor described the exercise as a deliberate recalibration of government machinery to consolidate the gains of his administration while accelerating the delivery of his People First mantra.
He explained that the reshufflement 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 the State.
“We have crossed the threshold of foundation-laying; this is the season of consolidation and accelerated delivery,” Otu 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,” the governor pointed out.
He charged all commissioners to see the ministries they head as a performance centre, warning that, there is absolutely no room for complacency.
“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,” Otu stated.
Reasoning that history will remember results, not titles, the governor also called for stronger collaboration across ministries, departments and agencies, maintaining that the complexities of modern governance demand 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 and impactful governance,” he advised.
