His Excellency, Bassey Edet Otu, Governor of Cross River State, has directed that any member of the State Executive Council and all political appointees intending to contest in the 2027 general elections must resign from office on or before March 2026.
The Governor gave the directive on Wednesday during a meeting of the State Executive Council, stressing the need for clarity of purpose in governance. “Any member of this Council who harbours political ambitions for the 2027 elections must, in the interest of propriety and focus, tender his or her resignation on or before March 2026,” he declared.
Underscoring the ethical basis of the decision, Governor Otu stated,
“Public office is a sacred trust. It must not be conflated with personal political pursuits. We owe our people undivided attention, and this administration will not compromise on that principle.”
He further emphasized the need for undistracted governance, noting that
“our mandate at this critical time is to serve diligently, to deliver on our promises, and to ensure that governance is not encumbered by premature political engagements.” He added, “We must remain resolute in our duty to the people who entrusted us with this responsibility.”
On the broader democratic imperative, the Governor remarked, “This directive is not punitive; it is principled. It is in line with global best practices and is intended to guarantee a level playing field for all aspirants, while protecting the integrity of government institutions.”
Reaffirming his administration’s development agenda, he stated, “We will continue to pursue economic diversification, strengthen our strategic partnerships, and enhance our internally generated revenue. Our focus remains on building a resilient and prosperous Cross River State.” Governor Otu urged full compliance with the directive, concluding, “I expect absolute adherence to this position. Together, let us remain committed to accountability, discipline, and service. The progress of Cross River State must, at all times, supersede personal ambition.”
