Resign within 8 days, Gov. Otu orders aides with political ambition

From Aniekan Aniekan, Calabar

Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has directed members of the State Executive Council  with political ambition to resign on or before March 26, 2026.

The Governor who gave the directive yesterday during a meeting of the State Executive Council, stressed  the need for clarity of purpose in governance.

In a release by his Chief Press Secretary/Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Linus Obogo, Governor Otu said public office is a sacred trust and must not be conflated by personal political pursuits.

“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.

“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.

“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.

“We must remain resolute in our duty to the people who entrusted us with this responsibility*, the governor said.

Governor Otu explained that the directive is not punitive but  principled and  in line with global best practices.

He also stressed that the directive is intended to guarantee a level playing field for all aspirants, while protecting the integrity of government institutions.

Governor Otu urged full compliance with the directive, saying , “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”, the governor said.