Delta State Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, has sworn-in the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr Chiedu Ebie, warning that those who will work with him as appointees must avoid nepotism and sectionalism.

Mr Ebie’s swearing-in ceremony which was attended by prominent Deltans, took place at the Unity Hall, Asaba, today, Monday, June 3, 2019.

According to Governor Okowa who spoke shortly after the oath of office was administered on the SSG, “sectionalism and nepotism must not have a place in the thoughts, choices and actions of those who will work with me.”

“I want to assure all Deltans that this administration will continue to run an all-inclusive government whether in terms of appointments or projects distribution; we have only just started; Deltans should trust us to do the right thing, and do it we shall and I wish to emphasise that appointments into this administration will be based on merit and geographical spread, not on emotions, sentiments or for the sole purpose of political patronage,” he said.

Governor Okowa continued: “we are in a hurry to get things done and cannot afford to lose precious time; therefore, this is not the time for apprenticeship; we shall be going for men and women, who are conversant with governance, understand our policy direction and require minimal supervision to do their work; it shall be a good combination of youth and experience to ensure that governance goes on seamlessly.”

He specifically urged Mr Ebie to know that as the SSG he should be aware that his office is the engine room of governance by “maintaining an open door policy and as much as possible make yourself available to all and sundry and give every citizen the opportunity to benefit from our programmes because, in doing this, you must be tactful, objective, just, resourceful and calm at all times.”

While expressing confidence that Mr Ebie will work tirelessly to help his administration deliver on its electioneering promises by reconciling and harmonising the activities of Ministries, Departments and Agencies of Government for effective policy formulation and implementation, Governor Okowa asserted: “Mr Ebie is a fine gentleman who served meritoriously as Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education in the first tenure of this administration; his civility, analytical depth, communication skills and diligence are essential qualities needed for the office of the SSG; in addition to these, modern statecraft, with all its complexities and challenges, requires team players, proactive leaders and men with large appetite for work; criteria which I am convinced Mr Ebie is well equipped with to enrich the social, political and economic narrative of our dear state.”

Mr Ebie in his response, Mr Ebie thanked God for the successful inauguration of Governor Okowa and his Deputy, Barr. Kinsgsley Otuaro for a second term, observing that such made it possible for his choice as SSG.

While thanking Governor Okowa for the opportunity to serve the people as the SSG, he promised to carry out his functions diligently in line with the stronger Delta agenda of Governor Okowa’s administration, stating, “there is still a lot of work to be done.”

•Photo shpows Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa (5th left), his wife, Dame Edith (6th left), the Deputy Governor, Barr. Kingsley Otuaro, (3rd left), and his wife, Engr. Ebiere, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori (3rd right), the State Chief Judge, Justice Marshal Umukoro (2nd right), Head of the State Civil Service, Mr Reginald Bayoko (2nd left), the Chief of Staff, Olorogun David Edevbie (1st right), and the immediate past SSG. Rt Hon Ovie Agas (extreme left), in a group photograph with the newly sworn-in SSG. Barr Chiedu Ebie in Asaba.