Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, has directed members of the State Executive Council and all political appointees with ambitions to contest in the 2027 general elections to resign from office on or before March 26, 2026.
The directive was contained in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Governor, Linus Obogo.
The Governor gave the order on Wednesday during a State Executive Council meeting, emphasizing the need for focus, discipline, and ethical 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 26, 2026,” he declared.
Underscoring the moral basis of the decision, Governor Otu stated that public office must not be mixed with personal political pursuits.
“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 said.
The Governor stressed that the directive was aimed at ensuring uninterrupted governance and preventing distractions ahead of the election cycle.
“Our mandate at this critical time is to serve diligently, deliver on our promises, and ensure that governance is not encumbered by premature political engagements,” he added.
Describing the move as a standard democratic practice, Otu maintained that it was designed to create fairness among aspirants while safeguarding the integrity of government institutions.
“This directive is not punitive; it is principled. It aligns with global best practices and is intended to guarantee a level playing field for all aspirants,” he noted.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to development, the Governor said the government would continue to pursue economic diversification, strengthen partnerships, and boost internally generated revenue.
“Our focus remains on building a resilient and prosperous Cross River State,” he said, urging full compliance with the directive.
He concluded by calling on appointees to place public interest above personal ambition, insisting that the progress of the state must remain paramount.
Kingsley Agim
