.exercise not punitive, but strategic to reposition for efficiency – Gov Otu 

By Ike Uchechukwu, CALABAR 

Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, has reshuffled his cabinet in what has been described as a strategic move to reposition the administration for greater efficiency as it heads into the electioneering phase.

This is contained in a statement issued Tuesday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Linus Obogu, following an emergency meeting of the State Executive Council in Calabar, where some commissioners were redeployed to new ministries while others retained their portfolios in recognition of what the Governor called “outstanding performance.”

According to the statement, Governor Otu said the exercise was a deliberate recalibration of government machinery aimed at consolidating the gains of his administration and accelerating delivery of his People First agenda.

Addressing Council members, the Governor insisted the reshuffle was “neither punitive nor a reward system” but a leadership instrument to align talent with evolving 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,” he said.

With the administration approaching another election cycle, Otu warned that campaign politics must not distract officials from governance, noting that citizens would judge his government by tangible results. 

“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.

The Governor urged commissioners, whether reassigned or retained, to view their roles as fresh opportunities for service rather than personal wins or losses. 

“There are no superior or inferior ministries; 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.

He further called for stronger synergy across government agencies, stressing that public trust must be justified daily through visible governance. 

“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,” he added.

The statement noted that members of the Executive Council welcomed the development, describing it as timely and reflective of the Governor’s resolve to build “a stronger, more prosperous, and more united Cross River where performance remains the only enduring currency of public service.”