Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has approved the appointment of Orok Okon as the new Head of the State Civil Service.
Naija News reports that Okon’s appointment, which takes effect from September 19, 2025, follows the retirement of Dr Innocent Eteng.
In a statement on Tuesday, signed by his Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Linus Obogo, the governor commended Eteng for decades of dedication and service, describing his career as “a beacon of excellence and commitment.”
Otu charged the new Head of Service to bring vision, integrity and reform-driven zeal to the role, stressing that his administration is committed to enthroning competent leadership across public institutions.
“The new Head of Service is expected to foster efficiency, professionalism, and accountability across the public service. This appointment underscores the administration’s steadfast resolve to strengthen the machinery of governance for optimal service delivery to the people of Cross River State,” the statement read.
Upon assumption of office in May 2023, Governor Otu appointed Eteng as Head of Service in September of that year.
During his tenure, Eteng implemented measures such as the regularisation of casual workers, some of whom had served for years without formal recognition.
He also initiated plans to recruit new civil servants to fill vacancies created by mass retirements while aligning the workforce with merit-driven standards and best practices.
Okon, before his elevation, served as a Permanent Secretary in the Cross River State Civil Service, including at the Ministry of Justice. With years of administrative and legal experience, he is expected to consolidate ongoing reforms and steer the service towards greater efficiency.
The transition, according to the governor, marks a continuation of his pledge to reposition the civil service as the engine room of governance. Okon is now tasked with sustaining momentum and deepening reforms affecting thousands of workers across the state.
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