•••Reassigns Three, Declares “No Honeymoon Period” for Appointees
In a strategic move aimed at deepening governance and enhancing performance, Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah of Enugu State on Tuesday reshuffled his cabinet, swearing in a new Head of Service, six new Commissioners, and reassigning three others to different portfolios.
The oath of office was administered by Chizoba Ogbodo, a representative of the Ministry of Justice, during a ceremony held at the Executive Council Chambers of the Government House, Enugu.
New Faces and Portfolios
The newly sworn-in appointees include:
Dr. Godwin Anigbo – Head of Service
Engr. Benjamin Osita Okoh – Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure
Prof. Benedett Ekwutosi Okoli – Commissioner for Human Development and Poverty Eradication
Enyinna Franklin Ogbonna – Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources
Dr. Samuel Ogbu-Nwobodo – Commissioner for Trade, Investment, and Industry
Prof. George Ugwu – Commissioner for Health
Engr. Ben Collins Ndu Jr. – Commissioner for Water Resources
Earlier, GMTNewsng had reported on the screening of the nominees by the Enugu State House of Assembly, where lawmakers commended the caliber, competence, and track records of the appointees. The development underscored Governor Mbah’s focus on merit-based appointments and his administration’s broader commitment to transparency, reform, and good governance.
In a related development, Dr. Felix Nnamani was redeployed from the Ministry of Water Resources to the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Dr. Malachy Agbo moved from Human Development and Poverty Eradication to the Ministry of Information, while Engr. Gerald Otiji, formerly of Works and Infrastructure, now heads the Ministry of Housing.
Performance-Driven Mandate
Governor Mbah, in his charge to the appointees, set a tone of urgency and accountability.
“You would soon notice that here in Enugu, we have steered such a high expectation among our people. And every day it feels as though we are presenting a scorecard,” Mbah declared.
“Therefore, you have to hit the ground running, as there will be no honeymoon period for you, unfortunately,” he said, emphasizing that the new officials were joining the administration at a time when critical milestones must be achieved.
The governor underscored the administration’s data-driven approach:
“We set targets, we set goals, and we have key performance indicators. We have measurable indicators, hence, we have to measure and we have to constantly take analysis of where you are in respect to the set goals and what your results are. Those key performance indicators are key to us and we will measure you based on these outcomes and results.”
Teamwork Over Silos
Governor Mbah further encouraged the appointees to prioritize collaboration over competition.
“We also recognise teamwork champions. We do not encourage working in silos. You have to work as a team. We believe that by working as a team, we are able to accomplish our collective goals. You should not see your colleagues as rivals. They should actually complement your efforts instead,” he stated.
He added: “Our modest accomplishment in the state so far is not done by a single champion. We like to recognise our successes as team efforts.”
Appointees Vow to Deliver
Responding on behalf of the new cabinet members, Dr. Samuel Ogbu-Nwobodo expressed deep appreciation to the governor for the opportunity to serve.
“Since you chose to entrust us with this sacred duty as you make history on a daily basis, we will keep faith with our Oath of Office. We will be loyal and dedicated in the discharge of our duties. We will strive to contribute to the nationally acknowledged success that your government has become,” he said.
The event was attended by key figures in the Mbah administration, including Deputy Governor Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai, Secretary to the State Government Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, Chief of Staff Barr. Victor Udeh, and other senior government officials, alongside family members of the newly appointed officers. GMTNewsng