2027: Civic Society Coalition Demands Immediate Resignation of Otu’s Commissioners Jostling for NASS Seats

By Bassey BASSEY and Ekanem ASUQUO

As preparations for the 2027 general elections gradually gather momentum, a coalition of civil society organisations under the umbrella of the Coalition of Civic Societies on Accountability and Good Governance has demanded the immediate resignation of commissioners in the administration of Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, who are purportedly warming up to contest political offices.

The coalition expressed concern that the growing political interests of some commissioners are already generating anxiety within political circles, fuelling debates over whether such political moves have the blessing of the governor or are merely self driven efforts aimed at currying favour with key party stakeholders.

Investigations by The Beagle News revealed that more than fifteen commissioners, as well as some directors general of agencies and boards in the Otu administration, are said to be warming up for various political offices across the three senatorial districts of the state.

These officials are reportedly intensifying political consultations while parading as candidates in waiting. They are said to be claiming endorsement from powerful figures within Government House and are allegedly diverting attention from official duties as they jostle for advantage ahead of party primaries.

During the recent Yuletide season, several of the governor’s aides were purportedly seen traversing communities within their targeted constituencies, distributing cash and food items including bags of rice, cartons of noodles, cooking oil, tomatoes, seasoning cubes, wrappers and assorted hampers to party leaders and other stakeholders.

Many of them were also said to have adopted the posture of political benefactors, paying unscheduled visits to traditional rulers and community leaders, attending social events, sponsoring meetings and engaging in highly visible acts of generosity aimed at announcing their political interest under the guise of community development.

Findings indicate that commissioners reportedly warming up for political offices include the Commissioner for Health, Dr Egbe Ayuk from Etung, said to be eyeing Obubra Etung, Youths Development Commissioner, Barrister Ijom Ukam from the Biase and Akamkpa axis, Commissioner for Youth Development, Commissioner for Finance, Michael Odere from the Obudu Bekwarra Obanliku axis, Commissioner for Environment, Moses Osogi from Yakurr Abi, Commissioner for Agriculture, Barrister Johnson Ebokpo Jnr, from Obubra Etung, Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Chief Victor Fidelis Idem from Calabar Municipality Odukpani and Commissioner for Special Duties, Oden Ewa.

Some directors general also said to be warming up for political offices include Francis Ekpo from the Yala Ogoja axis and Dr Effeffiong Nta Eke from the Calabar Municipality Odukpani Federal Constituency.

Sources further claimed that many of the seekers are openly projecting total backing from the governor and the chief of staff, reportedly using phrases such as “we were sent” and “we could not have come out on our own” while urging party stakeholders to align with them to avoid being politically sidelined.

In addition, several of the seekers are said to have discreetly put campaign structures in place, coordinating attendance at social events, offsetting hospital bills, awarding scholarships and making voluntary donations under the cover of campaign support organisations.

 Coalition Demands Action

Reacting to the development, the Coalition of Civic Societies on Accountability and Good Governance called on Governor Bassey Otu to take decisive action against members of his cabinet who are purportedly warming up for political offices ahead of the 2027 elections.

The coalition urged the governor to compel such commissioners to resign or be relieved of their duties, warning that divided attention within the executive council could undermine governance and slow the pace of reforms.

Speaking to journalists in Calabar, the coalition’s coordinator, Agba Vincent, said the group had observed with concern that several commissioners said to be seeking political offices were no longer fully committed to their statutory responsibilities.

According to him, the growing preoccupation with personal political projects has reportedly led to the diversion of official time and public resources, a development he described as unhealthy for effective governance.

Vincent noted that the Otu administration assumed office with a clear mandate to restore and reposition Cross River State, stressing that sustaining that momentum requires a disciplined and focused executive team.

He warned that allowing commissioners to combine governance with early political manoeuvring could derail ongoing reforms and erode public confidence in the administration’s commitment to accountability and service delivery.

Also speaking, the coalition’s spokesperson, Raymond Agabi, noted that while political ambition remains legitimate in a democracy, it should not be pursued at the expense of public service.

Agabi said the responsible option for any appointee jostling for political office is to step aside and allow others who are fully committed to governance to take over.

The coalition maintained that decisive action by the governor would send a strong message about discipline, accountability and seriousness of purpose within the administration.

The group urged Governor Otu to act proactively rather than wait for internal distractions to weaken government performance, insisting that early intervention would help consolidate gains already recorded.

According to the coalition, Cross River residents expect results, not excuses, and those entrusted with public office must remain focused on delivering the dividends of democracy rather than engaging in premature political calculations.

The civic organisations reaffirmed their commitment to promoting good governance, accountability and transparency, while pledging to continue monitoring the conduct of public office holders in the state.

 THE BEAGLE NEWS