Ebonyi gets two new commissioners

Gov. Martin Elechi of Ebonyi has sworn in two new commissioners, Chief David Egbu and Mrs Mary-Joy Umoke, as Commissioners for Environment and Women Affairs/Social Development, respectively. Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony on Friday in Abakaliki, Elechi charged the new commissioners to be fair to all manner of persons without discrimination. “You should represent the interest of citizens of the whole state and not only those from your respective local government areas.

“No area of the state should feel marginalised for not having someone in the state executive council, as you should realise that your assignment, though glamorous, is onerous,” he said. Elechi warned that his administration would not condone acts inconsistent with the mandate of their offices, adding that the former commissioner for environment fail victim of such acts. “You should be versatile in your knowledge of government’s policy direction and action, and not limit yourself to that of your ministries alone. “You can be reassigned to another ministry at the shortest notice, as you are coming on board at a time we are winding up the administration which makes us very busy,” he said. Responding, Egbu, who was a former member of the state Independent Electoral Commission, thanked the governor for the appointment and pledged that they would justify the confidence reposed in them. “We whole-heatedly accept this appointment and promise to discharge our duties diligently without discrimination,” he said. Earlier while administering the oath of office and allegiance on them, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Chief Ben Igwenyi, noted that the duo were successfully screened by the state House of Assembly on Wednesday. Egbu replaced the former Commissioner for Environment who was relieved of his position in August 2013, while Umoke replaced her predecessor who resigned in September.