By Ndifreke AKPAN
Governor Udom Emmanuel has sworn in two fresh hands, they are Barr. Ibanga Akpabio and Prof. Victor Bassey Inoka as Commissioners in the State Executive Council.
Barr. Akpabio, is Commissioner for Ministry of Labour, Productivity and Manpower Planning while Prof. Inoka is assigned the Ministry of Education to replace Pastor Paul Alexander Udofia.
At the swearing in, which took place at the Government House in Uyo, the Governor noted that the new commissioners came highly recommended and expressed the hope that the new hands will add value to the state executive.
“So today we have added into our teams two fresh ideas and brains… I have added two more to the family, so beat that if you can in terms of pedigree, intellect, exposure, passion, tenacity in delivery, and even in capacity. So I believe we will get the best out of these two.”
The Governor thanked the serving commissioners for the contributions they have made so far to the government and charged all not to relent in selfless services.
Governor Udom advised the new commissioners to be mindful of their conducts as forthwith they are seen as representatives of the government
“There are certain places you used to go, you will no longer go again, there are certain things you used to say, you may not be able to say again, because when once you speak now, you are speaking the minds of government.”
The Governor also charged them to take their duty to heart, discharging same without interference of personal interest. Promising them a state executive they will be proud of any time any day, very disciplined and purpose driven.
Barr Akpabio hails from Essien Udim Local Government Area, and until his appointment served as the State Deputy Chairman of PDP, while Prof. Inoka from the University of Port Harcourt is a native of Oruk Anam Local Government.
The new commissioner, Prof Victor Bassey Inoka, while fielding questions from newsmen after his inauguration described Governor Emmanuel as a visionary who was assiduously working towards building a bridge to link the state to the future.
He thanked the Governor for appointing him and promised to key into the Governor’s vision with a show of unflinching loyalty, dedication and commitment in his duties.
Apart from Pastor Udofia who was relieved of his appointment, all other commissioners and special advisers retain their posts.
Present at the swearing in, were a cross section of stakeholders including the Senate Minority Leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio, immediate past Governor of the state.
