New Commissioners and a Special Adviser in Akwa Ibom have been sworn into office with a charge to reinvigorate and strengthen service delivery to the people of the state.

The new commissioners are Godwin Ntukude, Monday Ebong Uko, Akan E. Okon and Ufot Toby Nkangude while Emmanuel Ibiok is the Special Adviser. Etim Sam Kaiso Okpo was sworn in as Commissioner 111 in Akwa Ibom State Civil Service.

Governor Godswill Akpabio who performed the swearing-in ceremony today at the Exco Chambers of Governor’s Office, Uyo, said: “What we have done today in bringing you into this cabinet is to overhaul the wheel of the Uncommon Transformation of our state. This occasion therefore is a step in our efforts to reinvigorate and strengthen service delivery to the good people of Akwa Ibom State.”

He further stated: “We have within the last six years built our state in line with the dreams of our forebears. We have come to a critical point in our journey as a state that demands that we introduce fresh hands into the affairs of governance. We have faith that this gesture would accelerate the tempo of the Uncommon Transformation of our state.

“Be reminded that we are a transformational government based on values, not ideology. We strive to provide leadership for all segments of our society. We are blind to politics of ethnicity and tribe in our governance of this state. You must, therefore, expand your perspective to embrace the state as a whole and see yourself beyond the narrow confines of your local government areas or tribes. You are not representing your local government in this cabinet; you are representing the entire state.

“Therefore, do remain conscious of the honour and privilege of serving our state by acknowledging that, many are called but few are chosen. Your choice is an indication that you have been found worthy in character, comportment and learning to carry the burdens of our state. Such public confidence should be seen as an opportunity to leave golden imprints of your lives in the annals of our history. Commit yourselves, therefore, to serving the good people of dear our state for their benefit and do this to the very best of your ability. I urge you to let the fear of God and public interest take precedence over your personal interest.

“We expect you to help us to remain a promise-keeping and purposeful government that says what it means and does what it says. A government that does not play politics with projects. A government for all Akwa Ibom people everywhere they are located on the globe.”

He congratulated them on their appointment, saying: “Welcome to the engine room of uncommon transformation. Join hands with us to lift our state to the high place that our forebears dreamt of when they named it after God.

The governor commended the outgone members of the State Executive Council for their meritorious services, noting: “Their inputs to the uncommon transformation of our state shall remain indelible in the annals of our history. I wish them well in their future endeavours and implore them to continue to render service to our state and humanity in whatever capacity destiny may bring their way.

Akpabio urged respective permanent secretaries to let them have the benefit of their wealth of experience “so that you can become perfect fits in our administration within the shortest possible time. Endeavour to cultivate cordial relationships with other members of the management and staff of your various ministries and bureau respectively. Remember that the burden of leadership is on you and you must see yourself as a team builder in order to succeed.”

•Photo shows Governor Akpabio.