Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti has inaugurated 16 commissioners as members of the state executive council.
The Governor had sent a list containing 19 commissioner nominees to the House of Assembly but three are yet to be screened and confirmed.
Those yet to be sworn in but have been assigned portfolios by the Governor are; Chief Mike Akpara(Finance), Engr.Ikechukwu Monday (Power and Public Utilities) and Mrs Ngozi Blessing Felix(Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation).
Otti assured that they would be sworn in at a later date after screening and confirmation by the House of Assembly.
Speaking after the Oath of Office and Allegiance were administered on the Commissioners at the banquet hall, Government House, Umuahia, Otti congratulated the Commissioners on their appointments and charged them to work together to rebuild the State.
He warned them not to betray the trust of the people by towing the path that had left the Abia in a state of underdevelopment, but to bring in hallmark of excellence and commitment to the service of the State.
The Governor, who explained that development of critical infrastructure is the fulcrum of his administration, warned that excuses would not be tolerated as there would be zero tolerance for corruption.
He said the commissioners were not appointed to represent the interest of individuals or clan but that of the entire State, stressing that that building a new Abia is the key vision of his administration.
Responding on behalf of the new commissioners, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Ikechukwu Uwaoma, expressed gratitude to the Governor for the honour done them and pledged to discharge their duties to the best of their abilities.
He said they were aware of the enormous responsibilities but pledged their commitment to their duties.
The new Commissioners are; 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),Dr. Ngozi Okoronkwo -(Health), Prince Okey Kanu -(Information and Culture), Chaka Chukwumerije -(Lands and Housing), Prince Uzo Nwachukwu- (Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs) and Prof Joel Friday Ogbonna -(Petroleum and Mineral Resources).
Others are; Chima Emmanuel Oriaku -(Science and Technology), Nwaobilor Ananaba- (Sports and Youth Development), Dr Chimezie Isaac Ukaegbu -(Trade, Commerce & Industry) ,Engr. Don Otumchere Oti -(Works), Comrade Sunny Onwuma -(Transport) and Dr. Mathew Ekwuribe( Digital Economy/ SME)
