Gov. Bassey Otu Completes Total Refurbishment of Cross River Governor’s Office

Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has completed the full refurbishment of the state’s governor’s office in Calabar, transforming the decades-old structure into a modern seat of power.

Originally built in 1968 by former military governor Brigadier General Udoakaha Jacob Esuene and later given a facelift by Governor Donald Duke in the early 2000s, the building had fallen into serious disrepair over the years.

Upon assuming office on May 29, 2023, Governor Otu declined to operate from the deteriorated building, opting instead to run state affairs from one of the presidential lodges in Calabar.

“The structure was grossly not befitting of a governor’s office,” Otu said. “I had to take the decision to bring it up to a 21st-century, digital-standard seat of power. I needed an edifice where government business and administration can comfortably be run from—where workers can give out their very best.”

He expressed pride in the transformation, stating that the office can now compare with any modern government facility globally.

Otu noted that completing the project before his second anniversary in office was a top priority, both to enhance efficiency in governance and to ensure future administrations operate from a befitting and functional workspace.

Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Anthony Owan-Enoh, said the administration prioritized quality and did not shy away from the cost or effort involved in using only the most qualified contractors for the job.