By Onwa Ekor
Cross River governor, Prince Bassey Otu, has directed members of the State Executive Council as well as other political appointees intending to contest in the 2027 general elections, to resign from office on or before March 26, 2026.
Otu gave the directive, during a meeting of the State Executive Council held Wednesday, stressing the need for clarity of purpose in governance.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Linus Obogo, the governor said, “any member of this Council who harbours political ambitions for the 2027 elections must, in the interest of propriety and focus, tender his or her resignation on or before March 26, 2026.”
Underscoring the ethical basis of the decision, Otu averred that “Public office is a sacred trust, hence must not be conflated with personal political pursuits,” adding that “we owe our people undivided attention and this administration will not compromise on that principle.”
He further stressed the need for undistracted governance, noting that, “our mandate at this critical time is to serve diligently, to deliver on our promises, and to ensure that governance is not encumbered by premature political engagements.”
He maintained that “we must remain resolute in our duty to the people who entrusted us with this responsibility.”
On the broader democratic imperative, the governor remarked that, “this directive is not punitive but principled in line with global best practices and is intended to guarantee a level playing field for all aspirants, while protecting the integrity of government institutions.”
Reaffirming his administration’s development agenda, Otu assured that “we will continue to pursue economic diversification, strengthen our strategic partnerships, and enhance our internally generated revenue.
He further called for full compliance with the directive, as the state remains committed to accountability, discipline, and service, adding that “the progress of Cross River must, at all times, supersede personal ambition.”
