Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, on Tuesday, swore in two new commissioners, saying the move was part of his administration’s renewed momentum in the delivery of good and impactful governance.

The new commissioners are Osinachi Nnajieze and Charles Egumgbe.

Mr Nnajieze, who was the special adviser on legal matters before his appointment, replaces Kingsley Udeh, current minister of innovation, science and technology, as the attorney general and commissioner for justice.

Mr Egumgbe was designated as the commissioner for chieftaincy matters and rural development, a ministry carved out from the ministry of local government, rural development and chieftaincy affairs.

Speaking during the brief inauguration ceremony at the Executive Chambers, Government House, Enugu, MrMbah declared that there would be no holiday for both the new and old appointees.

The governor stressed that there was so much work to be done in order to meet the people’s expectations, which had now been raised by his administration’s massive achievements in less than three years.

As part of the efforts to strengthen the system, Mr Mbah said that all contract payments would henceforth be cleared by the Office of the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice to checkmate observed sharp practices by some unscrupulous contractors.

“All we do and achieve in the state is determined by the effectiveness of the Ministry of Justice. The ministry of justice is like an engine room in the true sense of it.

“This is because we cannot proceed without getting your clearance. If we want to move on contract, investment and project, we must get clearance from the ministry of justice,” he stated.

Mr Mbah urged the new commissioners to brace up for the huge task ahead, especially given the sensitiveness and enormity of responsibilities vested in the ministry.

“So, you have to hit the ground running; no Christmas break for you or other appointees. We have to sustain the momentum,” he said.

The governor also described the traditional institutions and rural areas as critical centres of administration and development, hence the need to create a ministry specifically dedicated to chieftaincy affairs and rural development.

While directing Mr Egumgbe to work to strengthen the traditional institutions, it is my hope that you strengthen sanity and order in that sub-sector,” the governor said.

Mr Nnajieze, who spoke on behalf of the new commissioners, said that they understood the weight of expectations on them, assuring that they would add impetus to the governor’s ‘humongous vision and unprecedented transformation’ of the state.

“We thank you very much for the privilege to be at the echelon of this vision. We will drive the vision with you and we will be with you every step of the way,” he assured.

(NAN)