Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has officially inaugurated Dr. Cliff Agbaeze, a former Special Adviser on Agriculture, as the new Commissioner for Agriculture.
Dr. Alex Otti officially inaugurates Dr. Cliff Agbaeze, a former Special Adviser on Agriculture, as the new Commissioner for Agriculture
Also inaugurated were the Auditor General of the state, Mrs. Ngozi Eke Ogbonnaya, and the Chairman and members of the Board of the Abia State Independent Electoral Commission (ABSIEC).
Dr. Alex Otti officially inaugurates Mrs. Ngozi Eke Ogbonnaya, and the Chairman and members of the Board of the Abia State Independent Electoral Commission (ABSIEC)
In his address at the event held at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Umuahia, Governor Otti emphasized that the appointments were grounded in the principles of competence, accountability, and responsibility, stressing the importance of the roles the appointees were taking on.
“To whom much is given, much more is expected. The demands of your office will be very heavy, and the expectations of our people are high.
“I have no doubt that you will live up to the challenge,” Governor Otti stated.
Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti
The Governor, who also underscored his administration’s zero tolerance for corruption, reminded the newly sworn-in officials that their appointments were based solely on merit.
He informed the new appointees of the high demands of their offices, adding that their positions were not for personal gain but for serving the people of the state.
In inaugurating the ABSIEC Board, the Governor warned them against succumbing to external pressure or bribery, likening such compromises to professional suicide.
“You will come under heavy pressure; people will want you to compromise, they will bring money to you, they will promise you heaven on earth.
“Know that the very day you succumb, that day you have committed suicide, and it will be only a matter of time before you find your way out,” the Governor warned.
He, however, expressed confidence that they would all excel in their new responsibilities.
Dr. Cliff Agbaeze
In their responses, the new Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Cliff Agbaeze, and the Chairman of ABSIEC, Professor George Chima, thanked the Governor for finding them fit for the task and pledged to justify the confidence reposed in them.
Other Board members of ABSIEC sworn in include Dr. Kelechi Okere, Mr. Joseph Akara, Mrs. Ekele Queen Ahuchaogu, Ms. Bertha Ehumadu, Mr. Nkemdirim Kalu, and Onyemachi Elekwa, the secretary.
