Four new commissioners have been sworn into the Akwa Ibom state Executive council by Gov. Udom Emmanuel who urged them to be diligent while contributing their quota to the development of the state.
The swearing in ceremony took place on Monday, January 4, 2021, at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Uyo.
Gov. Emmanuel dropped two commissioners and re-assigned one in the minor cabinet reshuffle.
Those dropped are Uwemedimo Nwoko, Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice and Arc. Ime Ekpo, Commissioner for Lands and Water Resources.
Under this new dispensation, Governor Emmanuel appointed Uko Essien Udom as the new Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice while Pastor Umo Bassey Eno is the new Commissioner for Lands & Water Resources.
Also, Mrs. Enobong Udemeabasi Mbobo formerly of Ministry of Education has been re-deployed to Ministry of Rural Development & Cooperatives while Mrs. Idongesit Iboro Etiebet who was Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Education is now the Commissioner for Education.
A release signed by Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem, Secretary to State Government, and made available to The Next Edition, indicated that a new ministry for Power and Petroleum Development has been created by the state government.
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A commissioner, Dr. John James Etim, has been appointed for the newly created ministry.
Gov. Emmanuel who charged the commissioners to be steadfast and shun self aggrandisement, implored them to work in the interest of the people of Akwa Ibom state whom they are appointed to serve.
He also advised them not to be deterred by criticisms from different quarters.
The governor urged them to bring to bear their wealth of experience as expressed on their resumè towards the success of the Completion Agenda.
As part of the ceremony, The Next Edition also reports that five new permanent secretaries were also sworn in.
The five permanent secretaries are Mr. Ini Ikie, Dr. Ini Etukudo, Mrs Esther Inyang, Mrs Grace Jim and Mrs Abasiekeme Essien.