Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, has sworn in two new commissioners, reaffirming his administration’s resolve to sustain the pace of governance and service delivery, declaring unequivocally that there would be no holiday for appointees.
The newly inaugurated commissioners are Barrister Osinachi Nnajieze, appointed as Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, and Dr. Charles Egumgbe, designated Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development.
Barr. Nnajieze, who until his appointment served as Special Adviser on Legal Matters to the Governor, replaces Dr. Kingsley Udeh, the current Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology. Meanwhile, Dr. Egumgbe assumes leadership of the newly created Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, carved out from the defunct Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Chieftaincy Affairs. Deacon Okey Ogbodo retains oversight of the Ministry of Local Government Affairs.
Speaking during the brief inauguration ceremony held on Wednesday at the Executive Chambers, Government House, Enugu, Governor Mbah emphasized that the appointments were part of a renewed momentum to meet the heightened expectations of the people, following what he described as the administration’s massive achievements in under three years.
“There will be no holiday for both new and old appointees. There is a lot of work to be done. We must sustain the momentum,” the governor declared.
Justice Ministry to Clear All Contract Payments
In a major policy directive aimed at strengthening transparency and accountability, Governor Mbah announced that all contract payments will henceforth require clearance from the Office of the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice.
“The Ministry of Justice is the engine room of government. We cannot move on contracts, investments, or projects without clearance from the Ministry of Justice,” he stated.
Highlighting the enormity of the task ahead, the governor disclosed that the state plans to spend ₦1.3 trillion on capital projects next year, underscoring the critical role of the Justice Ministry as the government’s quality assurance and control mechanism.
“You are exposed to an enormous workload. Basically, you are the quality assurance of government. There will be no payment to any contractor without clearance from the Attorney-General’s office,” he added, urging the new Attorney-General to hit the ground running without a Christmas break.
Focus on Traditional Institutions and Rural Development
Governor Mbah also explained that the creation of a standalone Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development was informed by the strategic importance of traditional institutions and rural communities in governance.
“Our traditional institutions are critical. The Igwes are the eyes and ears of government in their communities. Those who occupy such positions must be people of impeccable character and elected by their people,” he said.
He charged Dr. Egumgbe to restore order and strengthen institutional sanity within the chieftaincy and rural development subsector.
New Commissioners Pledge Commitment
Responding on behalf of the new commissioners, Barr. Osinachi Nnajieze acknowledged the weight of expectations placed on them, assuring the governor of their readiness to drive his vision.
“We understand the enormity of this responsibility. We will add impetus to your humongous vision and unprecedented transformation of Enugu State. We will drive this vision with you every step of the way,” he pledged.
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