Governor Peter Mbah on Wednesday inaugurated two new commissioners, declaring that there would be no holiday for both new and existing appointees as his administration intensifies efforts to deliver impactful governance in Enugu State.
The newly sworn-in commissioners are Barrister Osinachi Nnajieze and Dr. Charles Egumgbe.
Barr. Nnajieze, who until his appointment served as Special Adviser on Legal Matters to the governor, takes over as Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, replacing Dr. Kingsley Udeh, now Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology.
Dr. Egumgbe was appointed Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, a newly created ministry following the restructuring of the former Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Chieftaincy Affairs.
Deacon Okey Ogbodo will continue to oversee the Ministry of Local Government Affairs.
Speaking during the brief inauguration ceremony at the Executive Chambers of the Government House, Enugu, Governor Mbah stressed that the administration had raised public expectations through its achievements in less than three years and must therefore sustain its pace of delivery.
He announced new measures aimed at strengthening accountability, stating that all contract payments would henceforth require clearance from the Office of the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice to curb sharp practices by contractors.
According to the governor, the Ministry of Justice plays a central role in government operations, as no contract, investment or project can proceed without its approval.
He urged the new Attorney General to be prepared for the enormous responsibility, noting that the state plans to spend about N1.3 trillion on capital projects in the coming year.
“You are essentially the quality assurance and quality control of this government. There will be no payment to any contractor without clearance from your office.”
“You must therefore hit the ground running,” Mbah said, adding that there would be no Christmas break for appointees as the government works to sustain its momentum.
The governor also underscored the importance of traditional institutions and rural communities in governance and development, explaining that the creation of a dedicated Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development was intended to strengthen those structures.
He charged the new commissioner, Dr. Egumgbe, to promote order and integrity within traditional institutions, describing traditional rulers as the eyes and ears of government in their communities.
Responding on behalf of the new commissioners, Barr. Nnajieze thanked the governor for the confidence reposed in them and assured that they would contribute meaningfully to the administration’s vision for Enugu State.
He pledged their commitment to advancing the governor’s ambitious development agenda and to working diligently to sustain the pace of transformation across the state.
