Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has reshuffled the state executive council with the addition of two Commissioners and one Special Adviser.
The new appointees are: Salome Obiukwu, Commissioner for Trade and Commerce; Chiemela Uzoije, Commissioner for Housing; and Christian Enweremadu, Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture.
Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony held at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Umuahia, on Tuesday, Otti also announced adjustments within the cabinet. He revealed that the former Commissioner for Trade and Commerce, Kingsley Nwokocha, will now serve as Commissioner for Labour and Productivity.
The governor further disclosed that the Ministry of Lands and Housing has been split into two separate portfolios to enhance efficiency, with Chaka Chukwumerije now appointed as Commissioner for Lands.
Otti described the new appointments as part of his administration’s strategy of periodically injecting fresh ideas to enrich performance and broaden the scope of governance.
He congratulated the appointees for scaling through what he called a rigorous nomination and screening process. While reminding them of his government’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption, he warned that any official found wanting would be sanctioned.
Emphasising the urgency of their assignments, Otti said there was no room for delay: “There is practically no time for a honeymoon. We expect that you will quickly invite and welcome support from every available channel so that it can hit the ground running.”
The governor commended their leadership qualities, saying: “You have been found to possess the important leadership qualities that we seek in our team and we are glad that you honour the call to serve your state at this devout moment in our history. Thank you for offering to be part of the new Abia Project.”
He cautioned them about the challenges ahead but urged them to draw strength from their colleagues: “I do not expect that you will find it easy, but you have the peculiar advantage of working with colleagues who will be willing to share their experiences and the steps taken to keep their heads above water.”
Reiterating his warning on corruption, Otti stressed: “Our administration has zero tolerance for corruption and practices that take away from the public tier. We shall not hesitate to do what has to be done whenever credible evidence of compromise and bad behaviour is presented to us. You are all required to live above board as public officers with the understanding that this is a call to serve, not an invitation to a banquet.”
He reminded the appointees of the administration’s timeline: “You have so much to do, especially now that we have gone past the halftime mark in the first term of this administration.”
The governor also used the occasion to highlight some of his administration’s achievements in the past 28 months, including improvements in road infrastructure, security, education, and healthcare.
He urged the entire cabinet to work as a team to deliver quality leadership and measurable improvements in the lives of Abians.
Responding on behalf of the new appointees, the Commissioner for Trade and Commerce, Salome Obiukwu, thanked the governor for the opportunity to serve. She assured that they would carry out their responsibilities faithfully “to the glory of God and the good of Abia State.”
