Date Published: 07/02/09

Akwa Ibom Executive Council re-constituted

Akwa Ibom Executive Council has been given a new lease of life following the swearing in of four new commissioners and two special advisers to re-engineer the governance of the state.

Those assigned new portfolios are Barr. Ekpenyong Ntekim, Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice; John Harry, Commissioner for Youth and Sports; Hon. Eno Akpan, Environment; Engr. Etido Inyang, Special Adviser on Technical Matters, Barr. Jerry Akpan, Special Adviser on Legislative and Political Affairs.

Mr. Imo Udobia former Special Adviser on Legislative and Political Affairs was sworn in as Commissioner for Culture and Tourism; Barr. Godwill Archibong Umoh of Special Duties is re-deployed to Ministry of Economic Development and Mr. Enobong Umoetuk of Youths and Sports is re-assigned as Commissioner for Economic Development.

Other commissioners and special advisers not affected by the cabinet re-shuffle still maintain their portfolios in the re-constituted 24-member executive council.

Meanwhile, Barr. Assam Assam, SAN and Abom Tony Esu have been sworn in as honorary Special Advisers for Legal and Constitutional Matters and Inter-government Affairs respectively to serve as advisers to the state government but not members of the state executive council.

Governor Godswill O. Akpabio who performed the swearing-in ceremony of the new members at the executive council chambers, Uyo congratulated them on their appointment which he described as strategic aimed at re-invigorating, revitalizing and re-engineering the machinery of governance in the state.

“Your appointment has come at a significant time in our history as a people and in the life of this administration. It has come at a time the world is witnessing the worst economic depression in the decades”, Akpabio hinted.

The Governor said the decision to re-shuffle the cabinet was taken to re-invigorate the team and strengthen it to the challenges of the second half of the administration, adding that “We have created a critical developmental momentum in the mid-term of this administration.”

According to him “You are the proud beneficiaries of that decision. But do note that it may be easy to start a race, but the test of success is in how you end it. We do not intend to lose momentum! The pace of development will be sustained. You will be expected to work at our pace, not at your pace. And so if you came with fancy ideas that this job is a roller-coater ride drop it and consider it a mountain hike”.

“I urge you to discharge your duties with diligence and honesty. I urge you to set the pace for hard work and break new grounds by devising practical and innovative ways of getting things done. The fact that some of you are coming in from the private sector should be a boon and blessing not a curse. Apply some of the spirit and approaches which make that sector productive to your offices”, Akpabio enjoined.

He congratulated the honorary special advisers on their merited appointment, noting that “Our expectations are high that the rich fountain of your experience and your strong set of skills would be provide a knowledge reservoir for intelligent decision making and add value to our administration."