11 New Commissioners Take Oath As Amaechi Lambasts Environment Ministry

Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has blamed the Ministry of Environment for the poor waste disposal method in Port Harcourt and its environs.

To this end, the State Environmental Sanitation Authority (ESA) has been directed to henceforth, report to the Ministry of Environment for effective waste management control, and no longer to the office of the Secretary to the State Government, as was the case.

Governor Amaechi, who said this yesterday during the swearing-in ceremony of 11 new Commissioners and one Special Adviser at Government House, Port Harcourt, said the State Government has not done well in waste disposal in the city and directed the Special Adviser on Beautification to also report to the Environment Ministry for proper harmonization.

He, however, directed the Ministry of Environment to open up the Ntawogba Creek and all other water channels, which should also include demolition of structures built on drains to ensure free flow of water.

The governor also directed the Ministry of Power to comply with the Due Process requirement to enable it drive the power project to its logically conclusion, pointing out that the main focus of government this year was to deliver electricity to all communities in the state.

“Although by now we should have given power supply to the people but I am ashamed that we have not delivered on that promise”, Governor Amaechi pleaded and called for patience as efforts are been stepped up to complete the power project before December.

The state chief executive, who tasked the commissioners and the Special Adviser to work assiduously to enable the state government deliver democratic dividends to the people, equally reminded them of transparency and judicious use of public funds.

He charged the new commissioners on the need for team work as he was going to rely on them to deliver on the promise to the people while enjoining them to always comply with the budget provisions.

He maintained that “if for any reason we must do any project outside the budget then we must refer to the State House of Assembly for permission, warning that should any Commissioner do anything that would lead to the dissolution of the cabinet again, he would no longer appoint politicians into the State Executive Council.

Those sworn-in as Commissioners include: Mr Ogbonna Nwuke, Dr Tammy Danagogo, Mr Marcus Nle-Ejii, Mr Ezemonye Ezekiel Amadi, Mr Kingsley Chinda, and Mr Boma lyaye.

Others are Mr Augustine Nwokocha, Mr Moses Ahuebele, Patricia Simon-Hart, Gogo Levi Charles and Mr Emmanuel Chindah, while the Special Adviser is Mr Iboroma Harry.

Three out of the 11 newly appointed commissioners in Rivers State, Hon Ogbonna Nwuke (left), Hon Tammy Danagogo (centre) and Hon Marcus Nle-Eji, taking their oath of office at the Executive Chambers of Government House, Port Harcourt, yesterday. Photo: Ibioye Diama