Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has sworn in six new commissioners to enhance the State Executive Council. The newly sworn-in commissioners are Professor Ogbonnaya Uche, Mr David U. Kalu, Kingsley Chibueze Nwokocha, Dr. Uwaoma Ukandu, Mrs. Queen Ijeoma Aghukwa, and Ubochi Goodluck Chinedu.
Addressing the new commissioners, Governor Otti urged them to align with his development agenda for the state’s benefit.
He said, “We have carefully selected these highly accomplished individuals to bring new ideas and energy to our team. The new nominations and appointments were made pursuant to our agenda to create a robust architecture that supports excellent service delivery.”
He emphasized the importance of effective leadership and team building, stating: “As I mentioned on this podium a few weeks ago, effective leadership is an exercise in continuous team building, finding the right people, and placing them where they are best suited to thrive. The task of public sector governance is an enormous one that requires having the right people on board in the right positions to drive the central agenda of the administration across many important frontiers.”
Governor Otti highlighted his administration’s commitment to rejecting traditional recruitment patterns, saying: “One of the major hallmarks of our administration is going against practices that have proven to stifle growth and dynamism. We have publicly rejected the traditional recruitment pattern of filling strategic government offices with cronies who do very little in terms of the execution of governance businesses.”
He warned the new appointees against infighting and corruption, stressing: “There is no room for mediocrity… We have zero tolerance for corruption and any act capable of bringing the government into disrepute.”
Governor Otti assured the new commissioners of his guidance and announced plans for minor restructuring of ministries to enhance governance architecture.
He stated: “To further strengthen the governance architecture, there shall be more restructuring of the Ministries to support the actualization of the administration’s objectives and further empower the Commissioners to function optimally in their respective Ministries, which will be announced soon. This is aimed at making the ministries more dynamic and responsive to the evolving realities of governance.”
Additionally, Governor Otti revealed plans to establish the Greater Ohafia Development Authority to oversee Abia North’s development.
Responding on behalf of her colleagues, Dr. Aghukwa expressed gratitude for the appointment, saying: “Our appointment is a privilege and an opportunity to serve. We thank the governor for finding us worthy to serve and pledge not to disappoint him. We will put in our best to move the state forward.”
