Delta State Governor, Senator, DR. Ifeanyi Okowa has sworn in twelve new
Commissioners and five Special Advisers with charge that his
administration has zero tolerance for corruption, sectionalism and
nepotism in the running of government
business.
The newly sworn in Commissioners are Barr. Mrs Mary Iyasere (Commerce and
Industry), Hon. John Nani (Environment), Dr. Kingsley Emu(Economic
Planning), Chief James Augoye(Works), Mr. Vincent Uduaghan(Transport), Mr.
Newworld Safugha(Energy), and Mr. Joseph Ogeh(Housing).
Others are Mr. Fidelis Tilije(Water Resources Development), Rev. Mrs.
Omashola Williams(Women Affairs), Mr. Austin Chikezie(Agriculture and
Natural Resources), Hon. Joyce Overah(Science and Technology) and Mr.
Chiedu Ebie(Basic and Secondary Education).
The special advisers are Bro. Emmanuel Ogidi(Rural Development and Peace
Building), Sen. Emmanuel Aguariavwodo(Infrastructure and Housing
Development), Rt. Hon. Martins Okonta(Land Resources and Legislative
Matters), Hon. Pascal Adigwe(National Assembly Matters and
Inter-governmental Liaison)and Comrade Mike Okeme(Labour Relations).
Speaking in Asaba, while swearing in the commissioners and Special
Advisers, Governor Okowa charged the Commissioners to join him in the
fight against corruption so as to retain the implicit confidence and trust
the people repose on them.
He reminded the commissioners and special advisers that it is no longer
business as usual in the management of government activities and urged
them to be honest, diligent and responsible in the discharge of their
duties
‘’Corruption starves the state of valuable resources that could be used for
infrastructural development, improve our educational systems, boost our
healthcare system and take care of the poor and needy, even worse is that
anywhere it is allowed to fester the cost of doing business becomes
prohibitive. “I urge you to support me as stakeholders to lead the fight
against corruption in your respective offices” that is the only way to
retain the trust and confidence the people have bestowed upon us’’ Senator
Okowa stated.
As part of his resolve to curb wastefulness in government, the Governor
directed all ministries, departments and agencies in the state not to use
government funds to place adverts for him as he clocks 56 on the 8th of
July. He also urged his friends and well-wishers who intend to do same to
channel such funds to the empowerment of less privileged persons in their
communities.
He charged all political appointees in his administration to shun ethnic
politics and sectionalism and regard the entire state as their
constituency, while stressing that they must be fair to all Deltans.
According to him ‘’I want to make it crystal clear that this
administration has zero tolerance for sectionalism and nepotism. Given the
pan-Delta mandate that brought us here we cannot afford to do any less.
The horrible thing about ethnic politics is that it appeals to our worst
instincts and fuels our greatest fears, adding ‘’as commissioners and
special advisers, always remember that you have been appointed to serve
the entire state, treat and give every citizen equal opportunity and the
chance to realise his or her potentials and benefit from our programmes.
People are looking up to see in you the qualities of fairness, equity and
justice that are the articles of faith of this administration’’.
Senator Okowa who congratulated the commissioners and special advisers on the
appointment urged them to key into the SMART agenda of his administration
especially the job creation programmes stressing that ‘’it is incumbent on
you to make the attainment of these lofty goals in the SMART agenda your
watchword, they must be the focal point around which all your decisions
and actions will revolve’’.
Barr. Mrs. Mary Iyasere who responded on behalf of the newly sworn in
commissioners and special advisers thanked Governor Okowa for the
appointment and assured him of their readiness to join him in ensuring
prosperity for all Deltans.