The Governor of Abia State, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti, earlier today swore in his former Special Adviser on Agriculture, Dr. Cliff Agbaeze as the new Commissioner for Agriculture.
Also inaugurated were The Auditor General of the state, Mrs. Ngozi Eke Ogbonnaya and Chairman and members of the Board of Abia State Independent Electoral Commission (ABSIEC).
Speaking while performing the ceremony at government House, Umuahia , Governor Otti reiterated that the foundation of his administration is predicated on competence, accountability and responsibility hence his expectation that the appointees would give their best.
According to the Governor “To whom much is given, they say much more is expected. It’s a challenge to be appointed in this
administration; why do I say so, because this administration is founded on competence, accountability and responsibility”
“The demands of your office would be very very heavy, the expectations of our people are very very high, but I have no doubt that you’re going to live up to your calling”
Governor Otti reminded them that their appointment came freely to them, without anyone requesting money from them, and made it clear that his administration has zero tolerance for corruption.
Charging the Board members of the Abia State Independent Electoral Commission( ABSIEC) shortly after their inauguration, Governor Otti advised them not to bow to the pressure of compromise as such will amount to suicide, and went further to express optimism that they would succeed given their backgrounds.
In their responses, the new Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Cliff Agbaeze and the Chairman, ABSIEC, Professor George Chima thanked the Governor for their appointments and described it as an honor being part of the team of the Governor and promised to justify the confidence reposed in them, with the assurance that they will discharge their new assignments with commitment and sincerity.
Other Board members of ABSIEC sworn in include Dr Kelechi Okere,Mr Joseph Akara,Mrs Ekele Queen Ahuchaogu, Ms Bertha Ehumadu, Mr Nkemdirim Kalu and Onyemachi Elekwa secretary .
Present at the ceremony were, the Deputy Governor, His Excellency, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, the SSG Professor Kenneth Kalu, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba , Head of Service, Dr Queen Ngozi Obioma and other government functionaries.
Ferdinand Ekeoma
September 5, 2024.
