NIGERIA, CALABAR – The Cross River State Government has approved a fresh round of appointments of Ward Rural Development Officers, strengthening grassroots governance and ethical service delivery across Calabar, Akpabuyo, Akamkpa, Bakassi, and other local councils.
Governor Bassey Edet Otu granted the approval to reinforce development coordination at ward level, prioritizing equity, accountability, and citizen-focused interventions where public policy most directly affects daily livelihoods.
The appointments, cutting across Calabar Municipal and Calabar South wards, also extend to rural communities in Akpabuyo, Akamkpa and Bakassi, reflecting an ethical balance between urban representation and rural inclusion.
According to a press statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary, the governor “approved the appointments in furtherance of inclusive governance, grassroots empowerment and accelerated rural transformation,” emphasising service over patronage.
The statement, signed by Linus Obogo and sighted midway through the announcement, said the administration seeks to “ensure government policies and interventions effectively touch the lives of the people where it matters most.”
Truthlivenews report that the newly appointed officers include Hon. Awan Aisha Musa and Hon. Victor Ene for Wards 9 and 10 in Calabar Municipal, alongside Haua Fattima, Nkoyo Bassey and Engr. Andem Inyang in Calabar South wards.
Others appointed in Calabar South include Esther Pius Linus, Offiong Nse E., Abel Bassey, Smith Emmanuel and Asikpo Bassey, covering Wards 4 to 8, reinforcing administrative presence across the metropolis.
Further appointments in Calabar South include Treasure Margaret Ben, Akanimoh Boswell, Iberedem Sunday and Comrade Akaniyene Idioho, completing Ward 9 to Ward 12 coverage within the local government area.
In Akpabuyo Local Government Area, the governor approved Effiom Eyo Edet, Effiom Effiong O., Donatus James and Ernest Christian Effiong, ensuring ethical representation across Edem Odo, Eyo Edem and Nakanda wards.
Also appointed in Akpabuyo are Mrs. Anthonia Effiong, Hon. Edet Otu, Hon. Callistus Nsan and Rebecca Ekpo, covering Effanga Offiong, Idundu, Atimbo West and Eneyo South wards respectively.
Effiom Asuquo Nyong and Hon. Eke Effiong complete the Akpabuyo list, assigned to Edet Nsa and Atimbo East, reinforcing administrative oversight in historically underserved communities.
In Akamkpa, the appointments include Hon. Henry Ntui Betty, Columbanus Okon Effa and Comrade Celestine Edet Agbara, covering Ikpai, Eku and Oban wards within the expansive council.
Additional Akamkpa appointees include Benjamin Edet Okon, Emmanuel K. Ent, Mary Ebuo-Okwo and Pamela Okpo Awor, reflecting deliberate geographic spread across Ojuk, Awi and Mbarakom areas.
The list further features Ofu Effiong Eyo, Mary Asuquo Arekong and Hon. Alex Ekpe Arong, assigned to Akamkpa Urban, Uyanga and Iko wards, reinforcing ethical proximity between government and communities.
Bakassi Local Government appointments include Patricatames Umo, Victoria Patrick Idiake and Blessing Ankott Bassey, covering Abana, Akpankanya and Akwa wards respectively.
Also appointed in Bakassi are Helen Njok Usim, Hon. Boco Ene and Solomon Jonah, ensuring administrative reach in Ambai Akpai, Amotto and Archibong wards.
Completing the Bakassi list are Andem E. Andem, Jokokon Essien, Emmanuel Eyo-Ita and Atim Effanga, assigned to Atai-Ema, Efut Iwang, Odiong and Ekpot Abla wards.
Governance analysts say the appointments reflect situational ethics, balancing political trust with community competence, and assigning responsibility closest to beneficiaries of public infrastructure and social interventions.
A senior government source noted that ward officers are expected to act as “ethical bridges between policy intent and community impact,” coordinating projects and reporting challenges transparently.
The administration reiterated that appointees will be held accountable to performance standards, with community feedback guiding continued engagement and possible review of assignments.
Observers believe the ward-focused strategy could strengthen participatory governance if sustained with monitoring, funding discipline and citizen inclusion beyond ceremonial representation.
The appointments take immediate effect, as the state government intensifies efforts to entrench accountable leadership and restore public confidence in grassroots development administration.