Governor Alex Otti Swears in Two New Commissioners and a Special Adviser, Reassigns Portfolios, and Splits Ministry to Boost Efficiency in Abia State Governance

…as Mr. Kingsley Chibueze Nwokocha steps into his new role as Commissioner for Labour and Productivity

The Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, has sworn in two new commissioners and a Special Adviser, charging them to bring fresh energy, commitment, and integrity into the service of the State as his administration crosses the halftime mark of its first term.

The newly appointed commissioners are Dr. Mrs. Salome Obiukwu, who now assumes office as Commissioner for Trade and Commerce; Architect Chiemela Uzoije, appointed Commissioner for Housing; and Prince Christian Enweremadu, who takes office as Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture.

The swearing-in ceremony, held at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Umuahia, was marked by notable cabinet adjustments. Governor Otti announced that the former Commissioner for Trade and Commerce, Mr. Kingsley Nwokocha, has been reassigned to serve as the Commissioner for Labour and Productivity.

In a strategic move to enhance government efficiency, Governor Otti also disclosed that the Ministry of Lands and Housing has been split into two portfolios. Following this development, Mr. Chaka Chukwumerije now takes charge as the Commissioner for Lands, while Architect Uzoije oversees the Housing portfolio.

Governor Otti described these adjustments and appointments as part of his administration’s broader strategy to periodically inject fresh ideas, enrich quality, and broaden the scope of performance in governance. He congratulated the appointees for successfully scaling through the rigorous nomination and screening process, while reminding them of his administration’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption.

The Governor was firm in his charge to the new officials: “There is practically no time for honeymoon. We expect that you will quickly invite and welcome support from every available channel so that you can hit the ground running.

You have been found to possess the important leadership qualities that we seek in our team, and we are glad that you honour the call to serve your state at this devout moment in our history. Thank you for offering to be part of the new Abia Project.

I do not expect that you will find it easy, but you have the peculiar advantage of working with colleagues who will be willing to share their experiences and the steps taken to keep their heads above water.

Let me repeat a charge I will never get tired of giving at functions like this: Our administration has zero tolerance for corruption and practices that take away from the public till.

We shall not hesitate to do what has to be done whenever credible evidence of compromise and bad behaviour is presented to us. You are all required to live above board as public officers, with the understanding that this is a call to serve, not an invitation to a banquet.

You have so much to do, especially now that we have gone past the halftime mark in the first term of this administration.”

Governor Otti also used the event to highlight achievements recorded in the past 28 months, which span across road infrastructure, security, education, and healthcare sectors where his administration has made deliberate and sustained investments. He urged the entire cabinet to continue working as a cohesive team to deliver measurable improvements in the lives of Abians.

On behalf of the newly sworn-in appointees, Dr. Mrs. Salome Obiukwu, the Commissioner for Trade and Commerce, expressed deep gratitude to the Governor for entrusting them with the opportunity to serve. She assured that they would discharge their duties faithfully, to the glory of God and the good of Abia State.

The ceremony underscored Governor Otti’s resolve to recalibrate governance, inject new energy into service delivery, and strengthen institutional performance as Abia State advances on i ts transformational journey.