Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Nearly one year after the inauguration of his cabinet members, Gov. Alex Otti, has appointed six new Commissioners.
The latest appointment is coming about two months after Commissioners for Agriculture, her Health and Science & Technology counterparts threw in the towel.
While no convincing reasons were adduced for the resignation of Agric Commissioner and that of Science and Technology, the former Commissioner for Health was initially suspended for “gross conduct” before her eventual resignation.
Gov. Otti had in recent media chat, said he accepted their resignation.
Meanwhile the Governor who swore in the six new Commissioners said it was to rejig and complement the State Executive council.
The newly sworn in Commissioners are: Professor Ogbonnaya Uche, Mr David U. Kalu, Kingsley Chibueze Nwokocha, Dr. Uwaoma Ukandu, Dr Mrs Queen Ijeoma Aghukwa, and Ubochi Goodluck Chinedu.
Speaking during the swearing in ceremony, Gov. Otti urged them to key into his development agenda and work.
Otti thanked the new appointees but warned them against sharp practices, warning that his administration has zero tolerance for graft.
“We have carefully selected these highly accomplished individuals to bring new ideas and energy to our team. The new nominations and appointments were made pursuant to our agenda to create a robust architecture that supports excellent service delivery.
“Effective leadership is an exercise in continuous team building, finding the right people and placing them where they are best suited to thrive. The task of public sector governance is an enormous one that requires having the right people on board in the right positions to drive the central agenda of the administration across many important frontiers.
“One of the major hallmarks of our administration is going against practices that had proven to stifle growth and dynamism. We have publicly rejected the traditional recruitment pattern of filling strategic Government offices with cronies who do very little in terms of execution of businesses of governance,” Otti stated.
Otti warned the new appointees that there exists no room for infighting, stressing that his administration has zero tolerance for corruption and any act capable of bringing the government to disrepute.
“To further strengthen the governance architecture, there shall be more restructuring of the Ministries to support the actualization of the administration’s objectives and further empower the Commissioners to function optimally in their respective Ministries which will be announced soon.
“This is aimed at making the Ministries more dynamic and responsive to the evolving realities of governance,” the Governor noted.
The Governor further made public that his government is working on setting up the Greater Ohafia Development Authority to oversee the development of Abia North.
Responding on behalf of her colleagues, Dr. Aghukwa said that their appointment is a privilege and opportunity to serve.
She thanked the Governor for finding them worthy to serve and pledged not to disappoint him, assuring that they will put in their best to move the State forward.
