By Sylvia Akpan, Government House Correspondent
The Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Otu, has sworn in two new commissioners and announced a cabinet reshuffle aimed at strengthening governance and enhancing service delivery across the state.
The newly inaugurated commissioners are Mr. Dodeye Ikpi Arikpo, who will serve as Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, and Mrs. Beatrice Ifeanyi Njar, who takes charge of the Ministry of Housing.
As part of the cabinet reshuffle, Hon. Erasmus Ekpang has been redeployed to the Ministry of Lands as Commissioner for Lands, while Pastor Ekpenyong Ene Cobham, formerly Commissioner for Transportation, has been reassigned to the Ministry of Information and Orientation
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The Governor said the changes are intended to improve efficiency across key ministries and further strengthen his administration’s commitment to effective governance and quality service delivery for the people of Cross River State.
Following the reshuffle, Ayuk Obi Afor continues as Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, while Hon. Osogi Moses John serves as Commissioner for Water Resources. Anom Emmanuel Moses retains the Human Capital Development portfolio, and Edet Ankpo Pius remains Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure.
Abigail Duke Orok continues to head the Ministry of Commerce, while Ita Lawrencia Effiong oversees Establishments, Training and Pensions. Odere Michael Ireukanre remains Commissioner for Finance, and Ukam Odum-Ijom Ukam serves as Commissioner for Youth Development.
In the same vein, Dr. Helen Agan Egodo continues as Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, while Dr. Ene-Ita Margaret Minika heads the Ministry of Social Welfare and Community Development. Mensah Bassey Offiong continues as Commissioner for Environment, and Ekpenyong Francis Edet serves as Commissioner for Livestock, Aquaculture and Fisheries Development.
Similarly, Victor-Felix Okon Idem continues as Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, while Otu Effiom Ekaha heads the Ministry of Mineral Resources.
Also serving in the State Executive Council are Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk as Commissioner for Health, Kingsley N. Egumi as Commissioner for Transport, Abang Eka Williams as Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy, Dr. Beshel Justin Atiang as Commissioner for Science and Technology, Ebokpo Johnson Andiambey as Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development, and Edema Ayami Irom as Commissioner for Women Affairs.
Others are Dr. Mathias Unimke Angioha as Commissioner for Industries, Agnes Anyama Atsu as Commissioner for Sports Development, Ededem Charles Ani as Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General, Hon. Patrick E. Egbede as Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Empowerment, Capt. Eno Urum Inah (Rtd.) as Commissioner for Aviation, Senator Stephen Adi Odey as Commissioner for Education, and Dr. H. Ogar Lukpata as Commissioner for International Donor Coordination.
Governor Otu while rejigging the cabinet at an emergency meeting of the State Executive Council in Calabar, on Monday, July 27, 2026, 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, he 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 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 center. 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.
Otu 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.
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