Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has carried out a minor cabinet reshuffle, appointing two new commissioners and a special adviser into his executive council.
The newly sworn-in officials include Salome Obiukwu – Commissioner for Trade and Commerce, Chiemela Uzoije – Commissioner for Housing and Christian Enweremadu – Special Adviser on Agriculture.
Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony held at the Government House Banquet Hall in Umuahia, Governor Otti also announced key internal cabinet adjustments.
Notably, Kingsley Nwokocha, the former Commissioner for Trade and Commerce, has been reassigned as Commissioner for Labour and Productivity.
To improve efficiency, Otti disclosed that the Ministry of Lands and Housing has been split into two distinct ministries.
Chaka Chukwumerije has now been appointed Commissioner for Lands.
Governor Otti said the changes are part of a broader strategy to inject new energy and ideas into governance.
He commended the appointees for scaling through what he described as a rigorous screening process and reminded them of his administration’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption.
“There is no time for a honeymoon,” the governor warned.
“We expect you to hit the ground running and collaborate effectively with your colleagues.”
While highlighting ongoing achievements in road development, education, healthcare, and security over the past 28 months, Otti emphasized the urgency of sustaining momentum, especially as the administration crosses the halfway mark of its first term.
He encouraged the cabinet to remain united and uphold integrity in public service:
“You are here to serve, not to enrich yourselves. Any credible evidence of wrongdoing will be met with swift action.”
On behalf of the new appointees, Salome Obiukwu expressed gratitude to the governor and pledged their full commitment to the development of Abia State.
