Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, has reshuffled his cabinet in a strategic move aimed at strengthening governance, improving service delivery and positioning his administration for greater efficiency as it enters the electioneering season.
The cabinet reshuffle, announced during an emergency meeting of the State Executive Council in Calabar, saw several commissioners redeployed to new ministries, while others retained their portfolios in recognition of their performance.
Otu described the exercise as a deliberate effort to recalibrate the machinery of government, consolidate the gains of his administration and accelerate the implementation of his People First agenda.
While addressing members of the Executive Council, the governor said the reshuffle was neither punitive nor reward-based but a leadership strategy designed to align competencies with the evolving priorities of government.
“Government is a living institution; it must constantly adjust to new realities. This exercise is about injecting fresh energy, maximising 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 reminded commissioners that as the administration approaches another electoral cycle, public expectations have become even higher, stressing that the government’s legacy would ultimately be measured by tangible achievements rather than political rhetoric.
“Electioneering must never distract us from governance. 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 absolutely no room for complacency,” he said.
Otu urged members of the cabinet to view their new assignments as opportunities for renewed service rather than personal victories or setbacks, emphasising that every ministry plays a critical role in delivering the administration’s development agenda.
“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 unwavering loyalty to the people of Cross River State. History will remember results, not titles,” he added.
The governor also called for stronger collaboration among ministries, departments and agencies, noting that effective governance requires teamwork, coordination and a shared commitment to delivering results.
“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 said.
Members of the State Executive Council welcomed the reshuffle, describing it as a timely move that reflects the governor’s determination to strengthen governance and improve policy implementation ahead of the next phase of the administration.
The new cabinet configuration is expected to inject fresh momentum into government programmes, enhance institutional efficiency and accelerate the state’s development agenda as the Otu administration seeks to deliver on its promise of building a stronger, more prosperous and united Cross River State.
