Enugu State Governor Sullivan Chime has redeployed impeached deputy governor, Sunday Onyebuchi, to the state civil service.

The governor yesterday announced the redeployment of Onyebuchi as a deputy director on Grade Level 15, even as he swore in Reverend Raphael Ifeanyi Nwoye as the new deputy governor. Onyebuchi was in the civil service before being appointed to political office by the preceding Chimaroke Nnamani administration.

Reverend Nwoye was sworn-in at the EXCO Chambers of the Government House, Enugu, having been cleared last Thursday by the Enugu State House of Assembly. His oath of office was administered by the Chief Judge of the State, Justice Innocent Umezulike.

In his speech at the ceremony, Chime congratulated the new deputy governor, saying with his coming on board, the machinery of government would continue to run smoothly.

The governor said: “Drawing the analogy of a broken down vehicle, we have just replaced a bad spark plug, the vehicle is repaired and journey will be smooth again.”

He said the new deputy governor was not new to him as they had both served together as commissioners in the previous administration.

Chime added that he was sure that Rev. Nwoye would bring his experience and background “not just as a Minister of God but as a fine gentleman”, to bear in the discharge of his duties.

On the circumstances that brought about the advent of his new deputy, Chime said: “What has happened, I believe it happened in the best interest of Enugu State and not only government.”

He enjoined the deputy governor to serve with due diligence and cooperation with the government as well as the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.

In his response, the new deputy governor expressed gratitude to God and to Governor Chime for the opportunity to serve in his new capacity.

He lauded the vision and good works of the governor and pledged his unalloyed support and commitment to ensure that Enugu people continued to enjoy the benefits of good governance being delivered by the Chime administration.

The new deputy governor was serving as the Bishop in charge of Ugwuaji Awkunanaw, Enugu, District of the Christ Ascension Church. His father, Apostle Godwin Nwoye, is the founder and head of the church.

Rev. Nwoye had earlier served in government as Commissioner for Environment and later, Caretaker Chairman of Nkanu East Local Council under Dr. Chimaroke Nnamani administration.

•Adapted from a Vanguard report. Photo shows Governor Chime congratulating Deputy Governor Nwoye after his swearing-in . . . yesterday at the Government House, Enugu.

Update news