Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, on Tuesday reshuffled his executive council, swearing in two new commissioners and a special adviser while warning them to brace for the rigours of governance with “no time for honeymoon.”
At a brief ceremony in the Banquet Hall of Government House, Umuahia, Otti inaugurated Salome Obiukwu as Commissioner for Trade and Commerce; Chiemela Uzoije as Commissioner for Housing; and Christian Enweremadu as Special Adviser on Agriculture.
The governor also announced portfolio changes, moving Kingsley Nwokocha from Trade and Commerce to Labour and Productivity, and splitting the Ministry of Lands and Housing into two distinct ministries for efficiency. Chaka Chukwumerije now heads the Ministry of Lands.
Charging the appointees, Otti stressed that his administration has zero tolerance for corruption and will not hesitate to sanction erring officials.
“There is practically no time for a honeymoon,” he declared. “This is a call to serve, not an invitation to a banquet. We expect you to hit the ground running.”
The governor said the reshuffle was designed to inject fresh ideas into governance, noting that his team has made strides in road infrastructure, security, education and healthcare over the past 28 months. He added that expectations are higher as his administration crosses the halfway mark of its first term.
“You have been found to possess the leadership qualities we seek, and we are glad you honour the call to serve Abia at this devout moment in our history,” Otti said.
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