EKA WILLIAMS RETAINS POWER PORTFOLIO AS GOV OTU RESHUFFLES CABINET
Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, has carried out a minor cabinet reshuffle aimed at strengthening governance and accelerating service delivery as his administration enters a new phase.
The reshuffle was announced on Tuesday during an emergency meeting of the State Executive Council in Calabar.
Prince Eka Williams retained his position as Commissioner for Power and Energy.
Dr. Erasmus Ekpang was redeployed from the Ministry of Information to the Ministry of Lands, while Pastor Cobham Ekpenyong was moved from the Ministry of Transport to head the Ministry of Information.
Several other commissioners retained their portfolios. Governor Otu said the decision reflected confidence in their performance and commitment to his administration’s development agenda.
Addressing members of the Executive Council, the governor described the exercise as a “strategic recalibration” to consolidate achievements and fast-track implementation of his “People First” agenda.
He stressed that the reshuffle was neither punitive nor a reward system, but a leadership tool to align individual strengths with the evolving priorities of government.
“Government is a living institution. It must constantly adjust to new realities. This exercise is about injecting fresh energy 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 another electoral cycle approaching, Governor Otu reminded commissioners that citizens’ expectations had become higher and that performance would determine the administration’s legacy.
“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 said.
The governor also called for stronger collaboration among ministries, departments and agencies.
“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.
Members of the Executive Council described the reshuffle as timely and reflective of the governor’s determination to strengthen governance and accelerate development across the state.
