In a recent development, Stephen Odey, a former lawmaker who was previously sacked by the courts after just six months as a Senator representing Cross River North in the National Assembly, has been appointed as the Commissioner for Education.
Odey, who had returned from the Senate to resume his previous position as the Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) under former Governor Ben Ayade, now takes on the crucial role in the education sector.
Another notable appointment made by Governor Bassey Otu is Ededem Ani, the son of a former finance minister in the late General Sani Abacha’s administration. Ani has been sworn in as the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General of the state.
Adding to the list of appointments, Eramus Ekpang, a former Publicity Secretary of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, has been named Commissioner for Information.
Dr. Helen Agan Isamoh, one of the six female candidates who underwent screening, has been assigned the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, while Prince Eka William will oversee the Ministry of Power and Renewable Energy.
Presently, the state boasts a total of 25 male commissioners and six female commissioners, all of whom were screened in three separate batches by the judicial committee of the Assembly, led by Davies Etta.
Unfortunately, one of the female nominees, Mrs. Gladys Eutendala, was not fortunate enough to secure the position due to a myriad of petitions filed against her, as reported by Etta.
The six female commissioners include Bishop Margaret Ene-Ita, along with Dr. Beatrice Igwe, Agnes Astu, Mrs. Abigail Duke, Lawrencia Ita, and Dr. Helen Agan Isamoh.
It is important to note that women’s rights groups have expressed disappointment, as they believe that the governor has not upheld the 35% affirmative action, which advocates for a higher representation of women in political appointments.
