Governor Bassey Otu reshuffles Cross River’s cabinet, reassigning commissioners to strengthen governance, improve performance and service delivery.
Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has approved a major cabinet reshuffle, reassigning commissioners overseeing key ministries, including Information and Orientation, Environment, Water Resources, Transport, Education and Housing, in a move aimed at strengthening governance and improving service delivery across the state.
The changes were announced during an emergency meeting of the State Executive Council in Calabar, where commissioners were redeployed to new portfolios while others retained their existing positions.
Governor Otu described the reshuffle as a strategic realignment designed to accelerate the implementation of his administration’s People First agenda.
According to the governor, the exercise “is neither a reward nor a punishment but a leadership decision to align experience and capacity with the government’s evolving priorities.”
He urged members of the State Executive Council to remain committed to delivering results, stressing that governance must not lose momentum as political activities begin to intensify.
Otu also called for stronger collaboration among ministries, departments and agencies, charging commissioners to prioritise accountability, innovation and efficient service delivery in meeting the expectations of Cross River residents.
As part of the reshuffle, Ayuk Obi Afor was retained as Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture; Hon. Osogi Moses John as Commissioner for Water Resources; Anom Emmanuel Moses as Commissioner for Human Capital Development; Edet Ankpo Pius as Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure; Abigail Duke Orok as Commissioner for Commerce; Itta Lawrencia Effiong as Commissioner for Establishment, Training and Pension; Odere Michael Ireukanre as Commissioner for Finance; and Ukam Odum-Ijom Ukam as Commissioner for Youth Development.
Others include Dr. Egodo Helen Agan, Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs; Nku Ekpang Erasmus Ekpang, Commissioner for Lands; Dr. Ene-Ita Margaret Minika, Commissioner for Social Welfare and Community Development; Mensah Bassey Offiong, Commissioner for Environment; Cobham Ekpenyong Ene, Commissioner for Information and Orientation; Ekpenyong Francis Edet, Commissioner for Livestock, Aquaculture and Fisheries Development; Idem Victor-Felix Okon, Commissioner for Local Government Affairs; and Otu Effiom Ekaha, Commissioner for Mineral Resources.
The governor also retained Dr. Ayuk Henry Egbe as Commissioner for Health; Kingsley N. Egumi as Commissioner for Transport; Abang Eka Williams as Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy; Dr. Beshel Justin Atiang as Commissioner for Science and Technology; Ebokpo Johnson Andiambey as Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development; Edema Ayami Irom as Commissioner for Women Affairs; Dr. Angioha Mathias Unimke as Commissioner for Industries; and Agnes Anyama Atsu as Commissioner for Sports Development.
Also serving in the cabinet are Ededem Charles Ani as Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General; Hon. Patrick E. Egbede as Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Empowerment; Capt. Eno Urum Inah (Rtd.) as Commissioner for Aviation; Dodeye Ikpi Arikpo as Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations; Sen. Stephen Adi Odey as Commissioner for Education; Dr. Lukpata H. Ogar as Commissioner for International Donor Coordination; and Dr. Mrs. Beatrice Ifeanyi as Commissioner for Housing.
Addressing the commissioners, Governor Otu said the reshuffle “is neither a reward nor a punishment but a leadership decision to align experience and capacity with the government’s evolving priorities.”
He urged members of the State Executive Council to remain focused on delivering measurable results, stressing that governance must not take a back seat as political activities begin to gather momentum.
The governor further called for stronger collaboration among ministries, departments and agencies, charging commissioners to prioritise accountability, innovation and efficient service delivery in order to meet the expectations of Cross River residents.
The latest cabinet realignment is expected to reposition the state government for more effective policy implementation and improved service delivery across critical sectors.
