Clement Nnachi, Abakaliki
Governor David Umahi of Ebony State, on Wednesday, sworn-in 26 commissioners as members of the State Executive Council.
Also 13 coordinators of Development Centers in the state were equally sworn in at a colourful ceremony held at the Akanu Ibiam Conference Center, Abakaliki, the state capital.
Speaking while administering the oath of office on the appointees, Governor Umahi threatened to sack any appointee that fails to discharge his/her responsibilities.
“I charge you to strive and lift our people out of poverty, we want to rid our state out of poverty, do your best and live up to the responsibilities assigned to you.”
Governor Umahi announced the Creation of Ministry of Infrastructure Development for Concession with the mandate to oversee the construction of the State new Airport Project, dualisation of Enugu-Abakaliki Highways, and traffic control mechanism geared towards easing traffic congestion in the state.
Governor Umahi named the returned Commissioners to include Engr. Fidelis Nweze in charge of Infrastructure Development and Concession, Dr. Sunday Nwangele (Donor Agencies), Mrs. Rebecca Ogbuewu (Women Affairs), Mr. Emma Nwobo (Special Project) and Hon. Charles Akpuenika, among others.
Others include Hon. Stanley Emegha (Border, Peace and Security, Hon Stephen Odo (Education), Mr. Stanley Inyima Housing and Urban Development.
Speaking against the backdrop of the on-going auditing of civil/public servants, the governor disclosed that the state government recalled retired Permanent Secretaries to assist in the auditing of Pensioners.
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“We have to recall our retired Permanent Secretaries to come and do auditing of our Pensioners, every month salary is increasing, anybody not audited by Tuesday August 7 would have himself/herself to blame.
“Commissioners are not expected to leave the state without informing me, if you don’t see me , see the deputy governor or the Secretary to State Government.”
Responding on behalf of the appoiuntees, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Mr. Samuel Okoronkwo, pledged that the appointees would abide by the oath of office they swore to.
Investigations by Nigeria Xpress indicated that 16 former commissioners, who served during the first tenure of Governor Umahi, were re-appointed into the new cabinet while 10 of the commissioners were new entrants.
Of the new 26 appointees, four of them were women, while the remaining 22 were males.
It would be recalled that Governor David Umahi had earlier sworn-in 23 Special Assistants and Senior Special Assistants as Council members.
