By CHARLES IWUOHA

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has performed the swearing-in ceremony of the two newly appointed Commissioners and a Special Adviser and carried out a minor cabinet reshuffle.

The newly appointed Commissioners and their portfolios are; Dr. Mrs. Salome Nkemakolam Obiukwu - Trade and Commerce, Architect Chiemela Charles Uzoije, Ministry of Housing and Prince Christian Enweremadu, who serves as Special Adviser on Agriculture, while Mr. Chaka Chukwumerije is now the Commissioner for Lands and Mr. Kingsley Nwokocha redeployed to the Ministry of Labour and Productivity.

Speaking after administering the Oath of Office and Allegiance on the appointees by the Solicitor General of the State and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Barrister Paul Ogubunka, at Government House Umuahia, Governor Otti said that his government is constantly on the lookout for new ideas and resources that would accelerate the attainment of the outcomes that it seeks.

He reiterated his administration’s zero tolerance for corruption and corrupt activities.

"Our administration has zero tolerance for corruption and corrupt practices that take away from the public. We shall not hesitate to do what has to be done whenever credible evidence of compromise and bad behaviour is presented to us.

"You are all required to live above board as public officers with the understanding that this is a call to serve, not an invitation to a banquet. You have so much to do, especially now that we have gone past the halftime mark in the first term of this administration,"

The Governor said that the appointments align with his strategy of broadening the scope of performance.

"What we are doing today aligns perfectly with our broad strategy of periodically injecting fresh ideas to enrich the quality and broaden the scope of our performance as an administration.

"Our unyielding commitment is to transform the social and economic experiences of our people by leading with sincerity and sensitivity to the yearnings of the public and a genuine desire to make a difference.

"Over the last 28 months, we have gone to different parts of the world to hire quality talent to help us achieve this noble objective.

The State Chief Executive congratulated the new appointees and expressed optimism that they would make excellent additions, not just in their specific operational zones, but for the entire government.

This is contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Ukoha Njoku Ukoha and made available to journalists in Umuahia.

Responding on behalf of others, the Commissioner for Trade and Commerce, Dr. Mrs. Salome Nkemakolam Obiukwu thanked Governor Otti for appointing them and assured him of their loyalty to his administration as well as abiding by their oath of office and allegiance.

The event was witnessed by senior Government appointees.