Chime Swears- In New Commissioners, Warns Against Corruption

Enugu State  Governor, Sullivan Chime yesterday warned his new commissioners and special advisers to sit up or risk an early exit from the cabinet.

Chime, who gave the warning in Enugu while swearing in 25 commissioners and 12 special advisers, told them to shun corruption and laxity or risk sack.

“This time, there will be zero tolerance to corruption and lackadaisical attitude to work.

“Everybody must sit up and if we find that you are not up and doing, then you may leave us.

“This is no time for politics but serious business,’’ he said.

The governor said even though much had been accomplished in his first term, a lot more needed to be done in the new dispensation.

He said that the nature of the task ahead required all the diligence and dedication that could be mustered.

Describing his first term as a period of learning, Chime said the business of government would be attended to with much more seriousness than during his first term.

He urged the appointees to ensure that they declared their assets before resuming duty, disclosing that they would be attending a retreat next week to help them prepare for the task ahead.

Responding on behalf of his colleagues, Mr Anthony Ani, the new Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, thanked the governor for giving them the opportunity to serve the state.

He assured the governor that the appointees would meet his expectations.

Some of the new officials of government and their respective portfolios are as follows: Prof Martin Anikwe (Agriculture), Dr Kester Agbowo (Budget and Planning) and Mr Emeka Abugu (Chieftaincy Matters).

Also sworn in were Dr Jude Akubuilo (Commerce & Industry), Mr Joseph Mamelu (Culture & Tourism), Simon Otuanya (Education), Mr Ikechukwu Ugwuegede (Capital Territory) and John Egbo (Environment).

Mr Godson Nnadi (Finance), Ndidi Chukwu (Gender Affairs & Social Development), Fidelia Akpa (Health) and Victor Okolo (Housing & Urban Development) were equally sworn in.