Otu Reshuffles Cabinet, Retains Eka Williams As Power and Energy Commissioner Ahead of Next Phase In Cross River

"We have crossed the threshold of foundation-laying; this is the season of consolidation and accelerated delivery." Otu

.... "Describes the exercise as a "strategic recalibration" designed to align the strengths of cabinet members with the evolving priorities of government."

Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Otu, in a move to reinvigorate his administration, has announced the  reshuffling of his cabinet.

The reshuffling has been described as a move that aims at strengthening governance and accelerating the delivery of his administration's development agenda ahead of the next electoral cycle.

The governor made the announcement on Tuesday during an emergency State Executive Council meeting in Calabar, saw Prince Eka Williams retain his position as Commissioner for Power and Energy, while Dr. Erasmus Ekpang was redeployed from the Ministry of Information to the Ministry of Lands.

Pastor Cobham Ekpenyong was moved from the Ministry of Transport to take charge of the Ministry of Information, while several other commissioners retained their portfolios, reflecting the governor's confidence in their performance.

Addressing the council, Governor Otu described the exercise as a "strategic recalibration" designed to align the strengths of cabinet members with the evolving priorities of government.

According to him, the reshuffle was neither a punishment nor a reward but a leadership strategy to consolidate the gains of his administration and drive the implementation of its "People First" agenda.

"We have crossed the threshold of foundation-laying; this is the season of consolidation and accelerated delivery," the governor declared.

Otu urged commissioners to remain focused on delivering tangible results, insisting that governance must not be overshadowed by politics as the next election cycle approaches.

"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.

The governor also stressed that every ministry was critical to the state's development, urging both retained and reassigned commissioners to serve with integrity, discipline and innovation.

He further called for stronger collaboration among ministries, departments and agencies to eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks and ensure more effective service delivery.

Members of the State Executive Council welcomed the reshuffle, describing it as a timely decision that would strengthen governance and accelerate development across Cross River State.