The Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma has appointed himself as the Commissioner for Lands, Survey and Physical Planning in the State.
The Governor announced this on Tuesday during the swearing-in ceremony of the 23 newly confirmed Commissioners.
Recall that Governor Uzodinma had some weeks ago, announced the appointment of his brother as his Deputy Chief of Staff.
According to the Governor’s spokesperson, Ogunwike Nwachuku, Uzodinma gave reasons for the self appointment.
He stated that the decision to appoint himself to the position was because of the need to restore the confidence of the residents in the Lands Ministry in the State.
The Governor while appointing himself, also apportioned portfolios to the newly sworn-in Commissioners.
Those given portfolios include Ralph Nwosu (Works), Declan Emelumba (Information, Public Orientation and Strategy). Also given are Chuks Chukwuemeka (Finance), Chimezie Amadi (Digital Economy & E-Governance), Cyprian Akaolisa (Attorney General/ Justice).
Others are Emeka Okoronkwo (Special Duties), Nwabueze Oguchienti (Power), Mayor Emenike (Environment). Modestus Osakwe (Homeland Security), Prosper Onyiagha (Health), Anselem Anyanwu (Budget and Economic Planning). Bede Eke (Housing and Urban Development), J.C. Nwadike (Education), Nkechi Ugwu (Women Affairs), and Obinna Onyeocha (Sports and Youths).
Jerry Egemba (Culture and Tourism) and Ikenna Elezianya (Science & Technology) and Cosmas Maduba (Agriculture & Natural Resources). Chika Abazu (Industry, Trade & Investment), Emeka Mgbudem (Petroleum), Ruby Emele (Local Government & Chieftaincy Affairs) and Ifeanyi Oruh (Rural Development) were also sworn in as new commissioners.
The Governor also used the occasion to swear-in his principal officers. Those sworn-in included the Secretary to the State Government, Cosmos Iwu; the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Nnamdi Anyaehie. Also among the list are the Deputy Chief of Staff (Administration), Patrick Ekeji; and the Deputy Chief of Staff (Operations), Sydney Agbor.
Others include the Deputy Chief of Staff (General Services), Ferdinand Uzodimma. Political Adviser and Head of the Political Bureau, Enyinnaya Onuegbu. The Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, Oguwike Nwachuku was also sworn-in.
According to the statement, the Governor stated that more appointments would be made in due course. This he said is to “fill vacant positions in some critical ministries.”
Uzodimma, however, urged the new Commissioners and Aides to use their positions and interpersonal skills and relationships to ensure success in their administrative duties. He stated that his “reelection for a second tenure places enormous responsibilities and great expectations on the Government and the appointees.”
He urged them to “Conduct themselves with decorum and with all sense of responsibility”. The Governor also reminded them that the oath they took “is not a mere ritual. But a serious act that places huge responsibilities on your shoulders.”
He further reminded them that as public officers, they must “behave differently. This is bearing in mind that the public will beam their searchlight on them, individually and collectively.”
Uzodinma also hinted that a Monitoring and Evaluation Unit had been established in his office. He, therefore, informed them that there would be quarterly assessments and evaluations of each of the appointees.
“There is no time to waste, as all eyes must be on the ball,” the Governor said.
source: Premium Times
