Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti has inaugurated his first 16 out of 19 Commissioner-nominees in the State Executive Council recently appointed and screened by the State House of Assembly.
Three out of the 19 commissioners were yet to be cleared by the State House of Assembly but would be sworn-in later.
Among those inaugurated were first female Health and Agriculture Commissioners, Dr. Ngozi Okoronkwo and Prof. Monica Ironkwe, respectively.
Speaking after the Oath of Office and Allegiance were administered on the Commissioners by a female State Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Uzoamaka Uche Ikonne, at Government House, Umuahia, Dr. Alex Otti charged them to bring in hallmark of excellence and commitment to the service of the State.
The Governor stressed that development of critical infrastructure are the fulcrum of the administration, said their responsibilities are huge, hence excuses would not be tolerated as there would be zero tolerance for corruption.
He emphasised that building a new Abia is the key vision of his administration, adding that he is committed to having a functional society that posterity would appreciate.
He said they were not appointed to represent the interest of individuals or Clan but that of the entire State.
The State Chief Executive, congratulated the Commissioners on their appointments, urged them to work together to rebuild Abia State, and not to betray the trust of the people by towing the path that had left Abia in a state of underdevelopment.
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 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 Commissioners and their portfolios are as follows;
1. Ikechukwu Uwanna: Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice
2. Prof Monica Ironkwe: Agriculture
3. Kingsley Anosike: Budget and Planning
4. Prof Uche Eme Uche: Education
5. Philemon Asonye Ogbonna: Environment and Urban Renewal
6. Mike Akpara: Finance
7. Dr. Ngozi Okoronkwo: Health
8. Prince Okey Kanu. -Information and Culture
9. Chaka Chukwumerije: Lands and Housing
10. Prince Uzor Nwachukwu: Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs
11. Prof Joel Friday Ogbonna: Petroleum and Mineral Resources
12. Chima Emmanuel Oriaku: Science and Technology
13. Nwaobilor Ananaba: Sports and Youth Development
14. Dr Chimezie Isaac Ukaegbu: Trade, Commerce & Industry
15. Ngozi Blessing Felix: Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation
16. Engr Don Otumchere Oti: Works
17. Comrade Sunny Onwuma: Transport
18. Engr Ikechukwu Monday: Power and Public Utilities
19. Dr. Mathew Ekwuribe: Digital Economy/SME
