By Mandy Park
Cross River State Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu,Monday, reshuffled his cabinet in a strategic move aimed at reinvigorating governance and positioning his administration for greater efficiency as it enters the electioneering phase.
The decision, announced at an emergency meeting of the State Executive Council in Calabar, following the swearing of two new commissioners, saw some commissioners redeployed to new ministries while others retained their portfolios in recognition of their outstanding performance.
The Governor described the exercise as a deliberate recalibration of government machinery to consolidate the gains of his administration and accelerate the delivery of his People First agenda.
Addressing members of the Executive Council, Governor Otu emphasized that the reshuffle was neither punitive nor a reward system but a necessary leadership instrument designed to align talent with evolving governance 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,” the Governor declared.
The Governor reminded council members that with the administration approaching another electoral cycle, the expectations of citizens had become even higher, insisting that only measurable performance, innovation, and unwavering commitment to public service would define the legacy of his government. “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 charged.
Governor Otu further urged members to regard their new assignments as opportunities for renewed service rather than personal victories or setbacks, stressing that collective success remained the administration’s ultimate objective. “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 stated.
The Governor also called for stronger collaboration across ministries, departments, and agencies, noting that the complexities of modern governance demanded teamwork rather than institutional rivalry. “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 Governor’s decision, describing the reshuffle as timely and reflective of his determination to strengthen governance ahead of the next phase of the administration. The renewed cabinet configuration is expected to inject fresh momentum into policy implementation, reinforce institutional efficiency, and sharpen the government’s development agenda, as Governor Otu reaffirmed his commitment to building “a stronger, more prosperous, and more united Cross River where performance remains the only enduring currency of public service.”
COMMISSIONERS
S/N NAME
DESIGNATION
1 Ayuk, Obi Afor,
Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture
2 Hon. Osogi Moses John,
Commissioner for Water Resources
3 Anom Emmanuel Moses,
Commissioner for Human Capital Development
4 Edet Ankpo Pius,
Commissioner for Works & Infrastructure
5 Abigail Duke Orok,
Commissioner for Commerce
6 Ita Lawrencia Effiong,
Commissioner for Establishment, Training & Pension
7 Odere Michael Ireukanre,
Commissioner for Finance
8 Ukam Odum-ljom Ukam,
Commissioner for Youths Develop.
9 Dr. Egodo Helen Agan,
Commissioner for Humaniterian Affairs
10 Nku Ekpang Erasmus Ekpang,
Commissioner for Lands.
11 Dr. Ene-Ita Margaret Minika,
Commissioner for Social Welfare & Community Develop
12 Mensah Bassey Offiong,
Commissioner for Environment
13 Cobham Ekpenyong Ene,
Commissioner for Information and Orientation
14 Ekpenyong Francis Edet,
Commissioner for Livestock, Aquaculture & Fisheries Development
15 Idem Victor-Felix Okon,
Commissioner for Local Govt. Affairs
16 Otu Effiom Ekaha,
Commissioner for Mineral Resources
17 Dr. Ayuk Henry Egbe,
Commissioner for Health
18 Kingsley N. Egumi,
Commissioner for Transport
19 Abang Eka Williams,
Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy
20 Dr. Beshel Justin Atiang,
Commissioner for Science & Tech.
21 Ebokpo Johnson Andiambey,
Commissioner for Agriculture & Irrigation Dev
22 Edema Ayami Irom,
Commissioner for Women Affairs
23 Dr. Angioha Mathias Unimke,
Commissioner for Industries
24 Agnes Anyama Atsu,
Commissioner for Sports Development
25 Ededem Charles Ani,
Commissioner for Justice & Attorney-General
26 Hon. Patrick E. Egbede,
Commissioner for Wealth Creation & Empowerment
27 Capt. Eno Urum Inah (Retd.),
Commissioner for Aviation
28 Dodeye Ikpi Arikpo,
Commissioner for Special Duties & Intergovernmental Relations
29 Sen. Stephen Adi Odey,
Commissioner for Education
30 Dr. Lukpata, H. Ogar,
Commissioner for International
Donor Coordination
31 Dr. Mrs. Beatrice Ifeanyi,
Commissioner for Housing
