The Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Otu has nominated and forwarded the list containing 26 names to the State House of Assembly for screening and confirmation as commissioners.
The 26 names, which included some persons who served in the administration of former Governor Ben Ayade, were contained in a letter signed by Governor Bassey Otu.
The list has elicited mixed reactions in the state as some concerned citizens see the choice of nominees for commissioners as a welcome development and move to pilot the affairs of Cross River aright, others seemed not too happy with the names selected.
A public affairs analyst and journalist, Mr. Frank Ulom said, “I am only familiar with a few, especially the number one on the list, Dr. Steven Odey and three or four more persons.
“It is not bad, 26 persons are okay. But, sincerely considering the way people in Cross River State view political appointees, particularly owing to some of those, who served in the last administration, we hope that these nominees when screened and confirmed would be different.
“Personally, I feel Governor Otu’s administration would be different from the last. I am hopeful that commissioners in this government would provide good leadership in the ministries so that the people can reap the benefits of good programmes and projects in the state,” Ulom stated.
According to the online media practitioner, he expressed the hope that the criteria for selection were based on merits and capabilities and not the ‘food-on-the-table’ agenda of the governor’s predecessor.
Continuing he said, “I am not a fan of recycling, but if the persons selected have the competence to serve, the governor can appoint such a person. But, I would have loved new people, who would inject new ideas into governance. It would have been good to see new, vibrant and innovative minds actually run the affairs of the state rather than recycling people. But, let us wait and see.”
People of integrity
Meanwhile, the Speaker of the Cross River State of Assembly, Mr. Elvert Ayambem has commended the state governor for choosing those he described as “people of integrity” as nominees for commissioners and forwarding the list to the assembly within the stipulated time.
Ayambem made the remark while speaking with journalists shortly after plenary where the House considered the list of nominees sent by Governor Otu for confirmation, noting “The governor took his time in the selection of the nominees to ensure that all of them are square pegs in square holes.
“I am happy that the governor transmitted the list within the stipulated time. The nominees are credible people,” stated the speaker.
He promised that the house would thoroughly screen the nominees and effectively perform its oversight functions to ensure accountability.
Early during plenary, members of the assembly also appreciated the governor submitting the list of commissioners’ nominees before the 60 days deadline and described the nominated persons as men and women of integrity and capacity.
Dominica Nwabufo
