Ikpeazu swears in 20 commissioners

Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State has sworn in his first set of 20 commissioners comprising three women, with a charge to them to shun corruption and be loyal to the government.

Addressing the commissioners shortly after they took the oath of office at the Michael Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia, the governor urged them to put aside sentiments that would not up lift the well- being of the ordinary Abian.

He reminded them that their appointments were a privilege as the state could boast of many qualified men and women who could occupy the same position if given a chance.

Abia is in a hurry to jump to the next level, Ikpeazu stated, and urged them to be a partner in the liberation of the state.

He however warned that he would not tolerate disloyalty just as the government would continue to maintain zero tolerance on corruption, and implored them to be team players as no one ministry was superior to the other.

While urging them to weigh their decisions and to ask what they would do for the state rather than what the state would do for them, he restated that his administration would lay emphasis on the five pillars of agriculture, environment, commerce and trade, oil and gas on which his government revolved, to drive the economy of the state in the days ahead and promised to give the new commissioners all they need to perform.

Responding on behalf of the others, the new commissioner for finance, Obinna Oriaku, who said that their appointments were a call for service, thanked the governor for finding them fit to serve and pledged their readiness to support him in lifting the state.

The commissioners sworn in are: Haglar Okorie, youth development; Gab Iboko, environment; Chinedu Brown, women affairs, and Charles Ogbonnaya, local government and chieftaincy affairs.

Others are: Nnenna Obewu Onwuka, transport; Uche Ihediwa, lands and survey; John Ahukanna, health, and Uzor Azubuike, agriculture and natural resources.

The rest includes: Bonnie Iwuoha, information; Eziuche Ubani, works; Obinna Oriaku, finance; Henry Ikoh, industry; Tony Ezebuiro, public utilities; Kate Enwereji Nwosu, trade and investment; Chinwe Nwanganga, sports; Ikechi Mgboji, education; Osita Igbe, housing; Eboh Ihekwereme, physical planning; Stanley Etche, petroleum, and Chima Mgbeke, poverty reduction.