Cross River State Governor Bassey Edet Otu has on Monday, July 27, 2026, inaugurated Mr Dodeye Ikpi Arikpo as Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, and Chief Obi Afor Ayuk as Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture.
Governor Otu also reshuffled the State Executive Council, redeploying key commissioners and making fresh appointments to strengthen governance and accelerate service delivery under his administration’s People First agenda.
The inauguration and cabinet reshuffle took place during the State Executive Council meeting held at the Executive Council Chambers, Governor’s Office, Calabar.
Under the new deployment, Hon. Osogi Moses John was appointed Commissioner for Water Resources; Dr Nku Ekpang Erasmus Ekpang became Commissioner for Lands; Mensah Bassey Offiong moved to the Ministry of Environment; Cobham Ekpenyong Ene was redeployed to the Ministry of Information; Ekpenyong Francis Edet to the Ministry of Livestock, Aquaculture and Fisheries Development; Kingsley N. Egumi to the Ministry of Transport; while Lawrentia Ita Effiong retains her position as Commissioner for Establishment and Pensions, with the Executive Council Secretariat added as an additional responsibility.
Addressing members of the Executive Council, Governor Otu described the cabinet as a winning team, explaining that the redeployments were intended to maximise the strengths of individual commissioners and reposition government for greater efficiency.
“It is my practice naturally not to change a winning team. We know where Cross River was, where it is today, and where we are headed. Together, we will continue in that passion and on that trajectory,” the Governor said.
He reminded commissioners that public service is measured by impact rather than longevity in office, adding that every member of the cabinet must continue to contribute meaningfully to the administration’s developmental objectives.
“It is not how long you stay in the cabinet; it is your contributions within the shortest possible time,” Otu stated, noting that the minor adjustments were necessary to ensure government achieves its targets within the remaining period of the administration.
The Governor also urged members of the Executive Council not to be distracted by political activities or external criticisms, insisting that governance must remain the priority.
“We have a focus and we have to achieve our targets. I am very proud of all of you. Please don’t be distracted. Let us stand for the truth and what is right. This is the People First Government,” he said.
Governor Otu directed commissioners affected by the reshuffle to ensure seamless handover of official documents, government assets and ongoing projects, stressing that accountability and continuity must remain the hallmark of the administration as the state gradually enters the election season.
He, thereafter, inaugurated Dodeye Ikpi Arikpo and Chief Obi Afor Ayuk, charging them to justify the confidence reposed in them through diligence, innovation and impactful service while working harmoniously with other members of the Executive Council to deepen the administration’s development agenda.
Governor Otu expressed confidence that the appointments and cabinet reshuffle would further consolidate the gains of his administration and thanked the Speaker and members of the Cross River State House of Assembly for their continued support and cooperation in advancing sustainable development across the state.
