Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, has inaugurated two new commissioners as part of his administration’s renewed drive to deliver effective and impactful governance.
The newly sworn-in commissioners are Barr. Osinachi Nnajieze and Dr. Charles Egumgbe. Barr. Nnajieze, who previously served as Special Adviser on Legal Matters to the Governor, replaces Dr. Kingsley Udeh, now Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, as the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice. Dr. Egumgbe was appointed Commissioner for Chieftaincy Matters and Rural Development, a new ministry created following the split of the former Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Chieftaincy Affairs. Deacon Okey Ogbodo will continue to head the Ministry of Local Government Affairs.
Speaking during the brief inauguration ceremony at the Executive Chambers, Government House, Enugu, on Wednesday, Governor Mbah said there would be no holiday for both new and existing appointees, stressing that the administration must sustain the high expectations generated by its achievements in less than three years.
As part of measures to strengthen governance and curb sharp practices, the governor announced that all contract payments would henceforth require clearance from the Office of the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice.
“All we do and achieve in the state is determined by the effectiveness of the Ministry of Justice. It is the engine room of government.
“We cannot proceed on contracts, investments, or projects without your clearance,” Mbah said.
He urged the new Attorney General to brace up for the enormous responsibility ahead, noting that the state plans to spend about N1.3 trillion on capital projects next year.
“You are the quality assurance and quality control of the government. There will be no payment to any contractor without clearance from your office. You must hit the ground running; no Christmas break,” he added.
On the creation of the Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Mbah described traditional institutions and rural communities as critical to administration and development.
He tasked Dr. Egumgbe with strengthening traditional institutions, noting that traditional rulers serve as the eyes and ears of government at the grassroots.
In his acceptance speech on behalf of the new commissioners, Barr. Nnajieze thanked the governor for the opportunity and assured that they would work diligently to advance his vision and sustain the unprecedented transformation of Enugu State.
