16/08/2023
Otu swears in 31 Commissioners, charges them on diligence, accountability
TO aid in the discharge of his duties, Cross River Governor, Prince Bassey Otu, Wednesday, swore in a total of 31 Commissioners.
The event which took place at the Dan Archibong Lodge which serves as a temporary office of the governor, was witnessed by the spouses of the newly appointed commissioners, as well as some key government functionaries.
The governor charged the appointees on diligence and accountability aimed at favourably turning around the state.
“I want to believe that your stewardship is going to turn the progress for the state to move to the next level, I therefore charge you to carry out your assignments with utmost diligence, accountability and commitment.
"We share a common burden and that burden is to take Cross River State to the next level and I want to believe that after the retreat when you must have resumed fully, you will then understand the enormous challenge and the responsibilities that we are in," Otu remarked.
Continuing, the governor reminded that all cannot be appointed the same day, hence those who are appointed, should consider themselves answerable to God.
"All your actions and intent must be guided by God because you are not coming out to lead alone, you must learn to serve our people," he said.
Extolling immediate past governor, Prof Ben Ayade, on laying a solid foundation on industrialization which vision must not be left to die, Otu said, "Ayade has put forward a very strong foundation as far as Agro Industrial Revolution is concerned. He opened a lot of territories which we have to fill the gaps. The challenge is not mine alone but all of us."
The governor admitted that he is not unmindful of the very great and big expectations that the people wants from the present administration, hence he would strive to turn things around.
On challenges and criticisms associated with public office holders, the governor enjoined them not to be distracted but only embrace what is right and good for the people.
"You might not enjoy accolades at that particular time, by the end of the day and in the dynamics of time, people will know that you did right," Otu said, intimating that "Cross River was once a very great state and it is time for us to climb that pedestal once more."
Earlier, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof Anthony Owan-Enoh, informed that after the selection of commissioner designates, they were sent to the House of Assembly as required by Section 192, sub section 1 to 5 of the 1999 constitution, for screening.
Owan-Enoh who noted that the exercise was thorough, painstaking and time consuming also remarked that at the end of the day, men and women who passed through the mill were gotten.
Those who took oath of office as Commissioners were, Erasmus Ekpang (Information), Mike Odere (Finance), Hippolatus Lukpata (Int. Donor), Egbe Ayuk (Health), Ededem Ani (Justice), Felix Idem (LG Affairs) and Lawrencia Ita (Establishment, Training/Pensions)
Others were; Oden Ewa (Special duties and Intergovernmental relations), Ankpo Pius (Works/Infrastructure) Inah Utum (Aviation), Eka Williams (Power/Renewable Energy), Ekpenyong Cobham (Transportation), Moses Osogi (Environment), Effiom Ekaha (mineral resources) and Mensah Bassey (water).
To man education ministry is Stephen Odey, while Justin Beshel heads science and technology, with Helen Isamoh overseeing humanitarian affairs and Edema Erom, Women affairs.
Also included in the list were ; Odum Ukam (youths development), Margaret Ene-Ita (social welfare and community development), Kingsley Egumi (Human capital and entrepreneurial development), Patrick Egbede (Wealth creation and employment).
Emmanuel Anom takes charge of livestock, aquaculture and fisheries development Ministry, Johnson Ebekpo (crops and irrigation), Francis Ekpenyong (Lands), Beatrice Igwe (Housing), Matthias Angioha (industries), Abigail Duke (commerce), Robert Ewa ( Tourism, Arts and Culture) and Agnes Atsu (Sports development).
