OKOROCHA SWEARS IN THIRTEEN COMMISSIONERS, OTHERS INTO OFFICE

Governor of Imo State, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has sworn-in thirteen commissioners, twenty-seven Transition Committee Chairmen, and an Economic Adviser in to office. The swearing-in of the commissioners followed their screening and clearance by the Imo State House of Assembly.

The commissioners sworn-in with their portfolios are:

1. Chief Law Eberuo - Lands, Survey, Housing and Urban Planning

2. Barr. Ngozi Njoku - Health, Women Affairs & Social Development.

3. Chief (Mrs.) Getrude Oduka - Education, Science and Environment.

4. Barr. M.O. Nlemadim - Attorney-General & commissioner for Justice.

5. Chidi Ibeh - Information, Youths & Sports

6. Udo Agoha - Agric & Natural Resources

7. Dr. Vitalis Ajumber - International Resources & Pension Matters.

8. Barr. Obinna Mbata – Finance

9. Barr. Emma Ibediro - Local govrnemnt & Rural Development

10. Barr. Ifeanyi Araraume Jnr., - commerce, Land and tourism

11. Chief Innocent Eke - Community government, culture & Traditional Affairs.

12. Hon. Rodney Ajaelu, - Public Safety & Public Utilities

13. Chief (Mrs.) Josephine Udoji - Works & Transport.

Chief Ikechukwu Njoku was sworn-in as the Chief Economic Adviser to the Governor.

Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony of the new Commissioners held at the Government House, Owerri today, Governor Okorocha said that the former commissioners did very well in sustaining the noble ideals of the Rescue Mission Government in the state, but were dropped because of other considerations that have nothing to do with failure.

He described the new Commissioners as the bridge between the old and the new generation politicians in the state and urged them to work hard to justify their appointments.

Said he; “All appointees are meant to tighten their seatbelts with a view to making Imo better. All hands must be on deck to sustain the gains made in education, security, infrastructure and other facets of the administration too numerous to mention. The appointees should improve on the gains so far recorded by the Rescue Mission Government”. “I want also to call for attitudinal change amongst Imolites, especially now that Imo is approaching 40. And I want to also ask all including Imo workers to queue into the change mantra of the state government by making sacrifices that will help the generation of Imo unborn.” “My quest to make Imo better is not for personal aggrandizement or riches but honest desire to change the landscape of the state. As a result there is urgent need for Imo people to cooperate with me in moving the artisans to a place, relocating the markets that are not well positioned to make the state attractive to tourists and investors.”

Speaking on behalf of the new Commissioners and other appointees, the Commissioner for Information, Chief Chidi Ibeh pledged to work hard to justify their appointments.