The Abia State governor, Alex Otti, has inaugurated a new 19-member executive council for the state with three nominees yet to be screened and cleared by the state House of Assembly.
Addressing the commissioners after they had taken the oath of office and allegiance at Government House, Umuahia, he charged them to bring in the hallmark of excellence and commitment to their duties.
He said the development of critical infrastructure and quality service was the fulcrum of his administration, adding that their tasks are huge, hence excuses, laziness and corruption would not be condoned.
“Building a new Abia is the key vision of this administration. I am completely committed to having a functional society that posterity would appreciate,” he said.
Congratulating them for the appointments, the governor reminded them that they were not appointed to represent the interests of individuals or clans but that of the entire state.
The commissioners are Ikechukwu Uwanna; attorney general and commissioner for justice, Monica Ironkwe, agriculture;
Kingsley Anosike; budget and planning; and Uche Eme Uche, education.
Others are Philemon Ogbonna, environment and urban renewal; Ngozi Okoronkwo, health; Okey Kanu, information and culture; Chaka Chukwumerije, lands and housing;
Uzor Nwachukwu, local government and chieftaincy affairs.
The rest are; Joel Ogbonna, petroleum and mineral resources; Chima Oriaku, science and technology; Nwaobilor Ananaba, sports and youth development; Chimezie Ukaegbu, trade, commerce and industry; Don Oti, works; Sunny Onwuma, transport; and Mathew Ekwuribe, digital economy/ SME
The unscreened and uncleared even as they have been assigned portfolios and slated for swearing in soon are Mike Akpara, finance; Ngozi Felix, women affairs and poverty alleviation, and Ikechukwu Monday,; power and public utilities.
Responding on behalf of his colleagues, Uwanna thanked the governor for the appointments, pledging that they would discharge their duties, which he said are enormous to the best of their abilities.
The oaths were administered on the commissioners by the state solicitor general and permanent ecretary of the ministry of justice, Lady Uzoamaka Uche Ikonne.
