Newly appointed commissioner in Enugu State, Barr. Peter Okonkwo, has promised to work assiduously towards the full actualisation of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s vision for the people of the state.

Okonkwo, a former governorship candidate of Alliance for Democracy (AD) in the state, spoke during his swearing-in ceremony at the Government House, Enugu, describing his appointment as “a very great privilege stemming from your heart of generosity”.

He said that as “a grassroots politician”, he will bring dedication to service and strive to improve, promote and communicate the governor’s passion for peace and good governance “to the hinterland of Enugu State”.

The new commissioner extolled Gov. Ugwuanyi’s virtues and uncommon leadership style. He said that he joined the government to learn the governor’s passion for managing the scarce resources of the state to execute numerous development projects across the state as well as regular payment of workers’ salaries and retirees’ pensions.

His words: “Your Excellency, I am here to say thank you. I am here to learn the passion that keeps you in the office till 2am, the passion that manages the scarce resources of Enugu State to balance expanded project implementation beyond any yardstick of measurement for any government within two and half years.

“I am here to learn the passion that pays salaries, because it is a mystery and the one that is novel is the one they referred to as 13th month salary. I am here to learn the humility in a man that is a lion. That is what I am here to learn.

“What I am bringing to the government of Enugu State is dedication to service, absolute loyalty and obedience to you as my leader and as my governor.”

In his address, Governor Ugwuanyi, who welcomed the new commissioner on board, noted that his administration has kept faith with its promises to the people of the state, through the self-evident improvements in their living standard, especially in the area of “peace, security, quality of services and infrastructure in all the nooks and crannies of our state”.

The governor emphasised the need to “rejig, re-tool and refocus” his administration for more effective and efficient delivery of public good. He maintained that it was “consistent with our commitment to continue to make those necessary changes that will enable us do more for our people”.

While congratulating the newly inaugurated commissioner for the appointment, the governor charged him to deploy his capacity, competency and wealth of experience to the service of the state.

“Ndi Enugu, we lack words to adequately convey our gratitude for your prayers, support, patience and understanding. We dedicate that our only business in government is to serve you well. We make this declaration most sincerely and most solemnly, trusting in the abiding Grace of Almighty God,” Ugwuanyi prayed.