By Anayo Okoli

Umuahia—GOVERNOR Theodore Orji yesterday inaugurated his newly appointed commissioners, with a strong warning against any involvement in corruption and avarice.

The new commissioners were screened in the last three weeks, but their swearing-in was delayed due to the on-going political realignment in the state. As result of the realignment, some persons were nominated by PDP stakeholders in the state to be made commissioners.

Addressing the new commissioners, Governor Orji described the ceremony as a “crucial chapter in the life of the government and another step towards the consolidation of the government”.

He said with the liberation of the state from political bondage, what they now have in the state was government of the people, for the people and  by the people, and urged the new commissioners to work hard as the state was in a hurry to develop.

Noting  that he was now in full control of the affairs of the state, Orji said if it were in the past, all the commissioners would have been handed over to him from certain quarters.

According to him, “a new political vista has been opened in the state and new and positive developments are being recorded and we are better for it.

“Apart from being commissioners, you are now political stakeholders in your area, and you have to galvanize our supporters during the elections. Eschew corruption and avarice. Government will not tolerate it in any guise. I will disengage such person.”

The new commissioners and their portfolios are Chief Anthony Agbazuere, Information; Mr. Henry Balogu, Transport; Chief P.C. Mbah, Education; Mrs. Nwada Igwe, Women Affairs; Solomon Ogunji, Environment; Dim Uchenna, Culture and Tourism; Joseph Ogwo, Agriculture; Christian Udo, Rural Development; Henry Agbaeze, Sports; Solomon Adaelu, Public Utilities and Emeka Nwogu, Urban Renewal.

Others are Prince Christopher Enweremadu, Works; Ngozi Ulunwa, Petroleum; Ezekwesiri Ananaba, Commerce and Industry; Nwoha Muo, Youths; Justin Ogbonna, Special Duties, Reginald Ezenta, Science and Technology, Stephen Mpamugo, Lands and Survey and Dr. Okechukwu Oga, Health.