Governor Alex Otti Swears In Two New Commissioners, Special Adviser, Redeploys Two In Minor Cabinet Reshuffle
Abia State Governor, His Excellency Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has sworn in two newly appointed Commissioners and a Special Adviser, while effecting a minor cabinet reshuffle to strengthen his administration’s performance.
At a ceremony held in Government House, Umuahia, the Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Barr. Paul Ogubunka, administered the Oath of Office and Allegiance on the appointees.
The new Commissioners and their portfolios are: Dr. Mrs. Salome Nkemakolam Obiukwu – Commissioner for Trade and Commerce, and Architect Chiemela Charles Uzoije – Commissioner for Housing. Prince Christian Enweremadu was sworn in as Special Adviser on Agriculture. In the reshuffle, Mr. Chaka Chukwumerije becomes Commissioner for Lands, while Mr. Kingsley Nwokocha is redeployed to the Ministry of Labour and Productivity.
Governor Otti said the appointments reflect his strategy of “periodically injecting fresh ideas to enrich the quality and broaden the scope of our performance,” adding that the government continually seeks “new ideas and resources that would accelerate the attainment of the outcomes we seek.”
Reiterating his administration’s zero tolerance for corruption, the Governor warned:
“Our administration has zero tolerance for corruption and corrupt practices that take away from the public. We shall not hesitate to act whenever credible evidence of compromise and bad behaviour is presented. You are required to live above board as public officers with the understanding that this is a call to serve, not an invitation to a banquet. You have so much to do, especially now that we have gone past the halftime mark in the first term of this administration.”
Otti emphasized his “unyielding commitment to transform the social and economic experiences of our people by leading with sincerity and sensitivity to the yearnings of the public,” noting that over the past 28 months his government has recruited talents globally to achieve its goals.
He congratulated the appointees and expressed confidence that they would contribute significantly to the administration’s objectives across the state.
Responding on behalf of the new officials, Dr. Mrs. Salome Nkemakolam Obiukwu thanked the Governor for the opportunity and pledged loyalty and strict adherence to their oath of office.
