Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has urged government appointees and elected office holders to respect, commit and be guided by the solemn oath to work in the greatest interest of the State and the nation during their swearing-in ceremony.

Governor Uzodimma gave the advice weekend, at the swearing-in ceremony of the Acting Chief Judge of Imo State, Hon. Justice Ijeoma Agugua, the new Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Paul Obinatu, and Prof. Chinonye Love Moses who will oversee the newly-created Ministry of Entrepreneurship, Skill Acquisition and Social Responsibility.

The event took place at the Sam Mbakwe Exco Chambers, Government House Owerri.

The Governor explained that election or appointment into public offices is strictly to serve the interest of the people and not for personal gain.

His words: "You are elected or appointed to serve, and the only way to do this and come out with result is to remain focused, respect the oath of office, and always ask yourself; does my action align with the interest of the people?"

Governor Uzodimma who recalled the challenges faced at the outset of his administration in 2020 pointed out that most of them were surmounted based on his commitment to the oath he took, to the fear of God, and heeding to his conscience to do things right, "and the determination to get Imo State right."

"Imo State we met in 2020, even the blind in the State can attest that it is not the same today," he noted.

He expressed optimism that Imo State Judiciary will bounce back again and all lingering issues surmounted.

"The interest of Imo State which the law stands for will not be cast away," he said, pointing out that "swearing-in of the most senior Judge in the State Judiciary, in line with the constitutional provisions, is a step to recovery of the system."

Governor Uzodimma further disclosed that in his determination to stamp out kidnapping, banditry, armed robbery and other forms of criminal activities, he created a new Ministry of Entrepreneurship, Skill Acquisition and Social Responsibility, "to address the problem of unemployment and creating needed engagement for unemployed youth and the vulnerable population."

He said that two new Commissioners - Mr. Paul Obinatu and Prof. Moses - were chosen because they have made their marks in the judiciary and academia respectively.

In their respective vote of thanks, the Acting Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Ijeoma Agugua and the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Paul Obinatu (on behalf of Prof. Moses), thanked the Governor for finding them worthy of the positions and pledged their commitment to justice development, peace and sustainability in line with the 3R vision of the government hinged on Rehabilitation, Reconstruction and Recovery.

The President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Barr. Victor Okon, the Chief Registrar of the Customary Court of Appeal, Faith Opara; Rtd. Chief Justice B.A Njemanze; serving Judges of Imo State, members of the zonal branches of NBA; Secretary to the State Government, Chief Cosmos Iwu, Chief of Staff to the governor, Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie, and members of the Imo State Executive Council, among others, witnessed the event.

• PHOTO: Governor Uzodimma with the Acting Chief Judge of Imo State, Hon. Justice Ijeoma Agugua, after her swearing-in at the New Exco Chambers of the Government House, Owerri... weekend.