You represent Abia, not yourself or your clan, Otti tells Commissioners
From Boniface Okoro, Umuahia
Abia State governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has charged the newly inaugurated 16 Commissioners not to pander to any parochial interest but to represent the state interest in all their activities.
Otti told his new cabinet members that building a new Abia was the key vision of his administration, adding that he was committed to having a functional society that posterity would appreciate. To this end, the Governor reminded the Commissioners that they were not appointed to represent the interest of individuals or clan but that of the entire state in order to make the realisation of his vision possible.
Otti spoke at the Banquet Hall of Government House, Umuahia on Friday, July 7, 2023, during the swearing in of 16 Commissioner designates. Last week, he forwarded the names of 19 Commissioner-nominees to the Abia State House of Assembly for screening and confirmation. However, only 16 of the 19 nominees appeared before the lawmakers and were promptly cleared.
The Solicitor-General of the State and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Lady Uzoamaka Ikonne, administered the Oath of Office and Allegiance on the Commissioners. The remaining three, after their screening, would be sworn in at a later date.
The Governor charged the Commissioners to bring in the hallmark of excellence and commitment to the service of the State, stressing that development of critical infrastructure would be the fulcrum of his administration.
Despite the huge responsibilities of the cabinet members, Otti insisted that he would not accept excuses, adding that the government would have zero-tolerance for corruption.
The State chief executive, who congratulated the Commissioners on their appointments, urged them to work together to rebuild Abia and not to betray the trust of the people by indulging in behaviours that have kept the state underdeveloped.
Responding on behalf of his colleagues, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Ikechukwu Uwanna, thanked the Governor for the honour done them and pledged that they would discharge their duties to the best of their abilities.
Uwanna said they were aware of the enormity of the responsibilities placed on their shoulders and assured that they would be committed to their duties.
The newly sworn in Commissioners and their portfolios are as follows:
Prof Monica Ironkwe- Agriculture
Kingsley Anosike- Budget and Planning
Prof Mrs Eme Uche- Education
Philemon Asonye Ogbonna- Environment & Urban Renewal
Ngozi Okoronkwo- Health
Okey Kanu- Information
Barr Ikechukwu Uwanna – Attorney-General & Commissioner for Justice
Chaka Chukwumerije- Lands & Housing
Prince Uzo Nwachukwu-Local Government House & Chieftaincy
Prof Joel Friday Ogbonna- Petroleum & Mineral Resources
Chima Emmanuel Oriaku- Science & Technology
Nwobilor Ananaba-Sports & Youth Development
Dr Chimezie Isaac Ukaegbu-Trade,Commerce & Industry
Engr. Don Otumchere Oti- Works
Comrade Okebugwu Onwuma- Transport
Mattew Chikodi Ekwuribe- Digital Economy &SMEs
Those remaining to be screened and sworn in are:
Mike Akpara: Finance
Ngozi Blessing Felix: Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation
Engr Ikechukwu Monday: Power and Public Utilities
