By Peter Omopo | September 17, 2025
Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has approved the appointment of Orok Okon as the new Head of the State Civil Service. The appointment takes effect from September 19, 2025, following the retirement of Dr. Innocent Eteng.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by his Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Linus Obogo, the governor praised Dr. Eteng for decades of service, describing his career as “a beacon of excellence and commitment.”
Otu urged the incoming Head of Service to bring “vision, integrity, and reform-driven zeal” to the role, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to strengthening public institutions through competent leadership.
“The new Head of Service is expected to foster efficiency, professionalism, and accountability across the public service,” the statement read. “This appointment underscores the administration’s resolve to strengthen governance for optimal service delivery to the people of Cross River State.”
Since assuming office in May 2023, Otu’s administration has prioritised civil service reforms with a focus on professionalism, merit-based promotions, improved welfare, and stronger governance structures. During his tenure, Dr. Eteng oversaw initiatives such as the regularisation of long-serving casual workers and plans to recruit new staff to address vacancies created by mass retirements.
Okon, who previously served as a Permanent Secretary in the Cross River State Civil Service, including at the Ministry of Justice, brings years of administrative and legal experience to his new role. He is expected to consolidate ongoing reforms and steer the state’s workforce toward greater efficiency.
The transition, observers say, reflects Otu’s broader pledge to reposition the civil service as the engine room of governance, with Okon now tasked with sustaining momentum and deepening reforms that affect thousands of workers across the state.
