General News
Otu Shakes Up Cabinet, Redeploys Commissioners, Retains Power Commissioner Eka Williams
By Iyojo Ameh
Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, has carried out a major cabinet reshuffle, redeploying key commissioners while retaining Prince Eka Williams as Commissioner for Power and Energy in a strategic move to strengthen governance and accelerate service delivery.
The changes were announced on Tuesday during an emergency meeting of the State Executive Council in Calabar as the administration prepares for a new phase ahead of the next electoral cycle.
Under the new arrangement, Dr. Erasmus Ekpang was redeployed from the Ministry of Information to the Ministry of Lands, while Pastor Cobham Ekpenyong moved from the Ministry of Transport to take charge of the Ministry of Information.
Several commissioners retained their portfolios, a decision Governor Otu said was based on their performance and commitment to advancing his administration’s “People First” agenda.
Addressing council members, the governor described the reshuffle as a strategic recalibration aimed at aligning the government’s human resources with its evolving 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,” Otu said.
He stressed that the exercise was neither punitive nor a reward system, but a leadership strategy designed to position the administration for greater efficiency and improved service delivery.
The governor reminded commissioners that with another election cycle approaching, citizens would judge the administration by its achievements rather than campaign promises.
“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,” he said.
Otu urged both retained and redeployed commissioners to embrace their assignments with renewed dedication, noting that every ministry plays a vital role in delivering the dividends of democracy.
“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 added.
The governor also called for greater collaboration among ministries, departments and agencies to ensure coordinated implementation of government policies.
“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.
Members of the Executive Council welcomed the reshuffle, describing it as a timely move that reflects Governor Otu’s determination to strengthen governance and accelerate development across Cross River State.
