Otu Appoints Orok Okon as New Cross River Head of Civil Service

Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has approved the appointment of Orok Okon as the new Head of the State Civil Service, effective September 19, 2025.

Okon succeeds Dr. Innocent Eteng, who is retiring after decades of service. In a statement issued by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser on Media, Linus Obogo, on Tuesday, Governor Otu praised Eteng for his dedication, describing his career as a model of excellence and commitment.

The governor tasked Okon with driving reforms in the civil service, stressing the need for vision, integrity, efficiency, and accountability in public service delivery. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to building competent leadership across government institutions.

Since taking office in May 2023, Governor Otu has prioritised civil service reforms, focusing on professionalism, merit-based promotions, improved welfare for workers, and stronger governance structures. Under Eteng’s leadership, reforms included the regularisation of casual workers and plans to recruit new staff to address vacancies created by mass retirements.

Before his appointment, Okon served as a Permanent Secretary in the state civil service, notably in the Ministry of Justice. With his administrative and legal expertise, he is expected to consolidate ongoing reforms and further reposition the civil service as the engine room of governance in Cross River State.