Gov Otu Rejigs Cabinet, Charges Exco To Raise Performance

Cross River State Governor Bassey Edet Otu on 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, 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 emphasised 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, 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,” the governor declared.

He 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 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 told them.

Governor Otu 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.

He said: “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.”

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 cabinet reconfiguration 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”.