From Okey Sampson, Umuahia
Governor Alex Otti has harped on his administration’s zero tolerance for corruption as he sworn-in Commissioners recently screened and confirmed by the State House of Assembly.
Speaking at the event held at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, Otti warned the 19 Commissioners to note that the privilege of their appointment must never be seen as an opportunity for self enrichment or advancement of unwholesome interests.
“We are here to work for the whole state and anyone who entertains any doubts about that may have found himself in the wrong room.
“You will be the most watched and scrutinised commissioners in the recent history of the state in the light of what you have achieved in your various callings before now.
“I expect you to bring in those hallmarks of excellence, commitment to the greater good and sense of duty in your new assignment.
“I am also optimistic that you will deliver on your various assignment and justify the huge expectations of the Abia public who would be watching your every move to see how your decisions align with our vision as captured in our campaign manifesto and promises to our people”.
While acknowledging that things may be a little different and may encounter some unpleasant realities as they begin their new roles, the Governor however advised the new Commissioners to stay the course and refuse to be distracted or give in to the cynicism of naysayers.
“So, I invite you to brace up for what lies ahead. It is not going to be entirely smooth but you can be assured that you will always have my full support and the prayers of well meaning Abians who have long prayed to have a team of dedicated men and women prepared to make the right sacrifices for the future of our great state.
“Building a New Abia that works for all is the founding mission of our government. Our target is to expand the frontiers of opportunities so that our people can live their dreams by leveraging the promises of the 21st century environment, live in dignity and work to hand a more functional society to those coming after us”, Otti said.
Otti urged the Commissioners not to betray the trust of Abia people who he said have remained patient and loyal to his course, adding that the New Abia his administration is currently laying its foundations shall be one where the interests of the whole state supersedes the selfishness of any individual or entity.
Warning the new Commissioners that no excuses shall not be tolerated, the Governor informed that the development of critical infrastructure such as quality roads, effective drainage system and robust energy distribution networks to power people’s homes and industries were key responsibilities and assignments his administration will not take lightly.
Otti said inasmuch as he do not expect the Commissioners to achieve everything in one day, but he stated there must be a daily commitment to fulfilling the promises that got them elected.
Responding on behalf of his colleagues, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ikechukwu Uwanna thanked the Governor for the honour done them and pledged to discharge their duties to the best of their abilities.
The Commissioners and their portfolios are as follows; Ikechukwu Uwanna, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice; Prof Monica Ironkwe, Agriculture; Kingsley Anosike, Budget and Planning; Prof Uche Eme Uche, Education; Philemon Asonye Ogbonna, Environment and Urban Renewal; Mike Akpara, Finance and Dr. Ngozi Okoronkwo, Health.
Others are, Prince Okey Kanu, Information and Culture; Chaka Chukwumerije, Lands and Housing; Prince Uzor Nwachukwu, Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs;
Prof Joel Friday Ogbonna, Petroleum and Mineral Resources; Chima Emmanuel Oriaku, Science and Technology; and Nwaobilor Ananaba, Sports and Youth Development.
The rest are, Dr Chimezie Isaac Ukaegbu, Trade, Commerce & Industry; Ngozi Blessing Felix, Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation; Don Otumchere Oti, Works; Sunny Onwuma, Transport; Ikechukwu Monday, Power and Public Utilities and Dr. Mathew Ekwuribe, Digital Economy/ SME.