Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti has performed the swearing-in ceremony and inauguration of two newly appointed government functionaries with a charge for them to put in their best in the service of Abia State.
The two officials include the Special Adviser on Projects, Dr. Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Meribole and the Executive Secretary of Abia State Diaspora Commission, Rev. Dr. Annie Onu.
Speaking at the event held at the Banquet hall, Abia State Government House Umuahia , Governor Otti said that his government does not tolerate corruption and low performance, adding that the expectations of the people are high and they must work to meet up to expectations.
“Here, we have zero tolerance for corruption and poor performance.
“I charge you to give your best. Our expectations are always very high because the standards Abia people deserve are also very high.
‘Those who have been selected, those who have been privileged to be of service to the people should give their best; only the best is acceptable,” Gov. Otti stated.
Governor Otti, who noted that both Dr. Meribole, a retired Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Aviation and Dr. Onu, a member of Abia Diaspora Commission are all coming with experience, congratulated them on their appointments and expressed the hope that they would bring their knowledge to bear in their new offices.
He said that the Special Adviser on Projects is already involved in the ongoing construction work at the Abia Airport project, and said that, “Coming from that industry, I believe that we can go to bed with our eyes closed, because he already knows what to do.
“He has already started engaging and monitoring the contractors, ensuring that everything goes well in the construction that has already started.
“Of course, beyond that, there are several other projects and he will have his eyes on all of them, ensuring quality, and ensuring timelines in the delivery,” Gov. Otti stated.
Governor Otti also said that he has no doubt that the Executive Secretary of the Abia State Diaspora Commission, knows what to do.
“Your job is to coordinate the Abia Diaspora Commission and ensure that the contact between them and home is maintained.
“Of course, those of them that can contribute to the development of the State, we have a channel through which they can do that.
“You have already started your work anyway. So, the transition to the position of Executive Secretary is for you to have the seal of authority instead of being just a member of the Commission which you were before now,” Gov. Otti stated.
Responding, the Special Adviser on Projects, Dr. Emmanuel Meribole while appreciating the Governor for appointing him, assured that he would bring his experience and expertise into bear in ensuring that the Governor achieved his vision, adding that, he would not disappoint the trust reposed in him.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary, Abia Diaspora Commission, Rev. Dr. Mrs. Annie Onu, who expressed joy to be part of the development narratives of Abia State under Governor Alex Otti, promised to work in line with the development template of the Governor in addition to galvanizing the Abia State Diaspora community for greater development of the State.
She thanked Governor Otti for bringing him on board to contribute her quota to the development of Abia State.
The inauguration was witnessed by senior Government appointees.
Ctz. UKOHA NJOKU UKOHA
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State.
02 – 04 – 2025.