By OGEMDI OZOEMENAM, Awka
The Anambra State House of Assembly has confirmed 16 commissioner- nominees presented before it by Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo last week Tuesday.
They include Dr Ben-Chuks Ozoemena (Agriculture), Mr. Chukwukadibia Okoye (Budget and Economic Planning), Mr Udorji Amedu (Culture, Entertainment and Tourism), Dr Ekene Ogugua (Education), Dr Clems Aguiyi (Environment), Dr Afam Obidike (Health), Dr.Law Mefor (Information and Value Reformation) and Prof Offonze Amucheazi (Lands).
Others are Barr. Vin Ezeaka (Local Government and Community Affairs), Prof Charles Ofoegbu (Petroleum and Mineral Resources), Barr Chijioke Oseloka Ojukwu (Physical Planning and Urban Development), Engr Casmir Chinenye Agu Madu (Power), Arc Okey Ezeobi (Works and Infrastructure), Hon.Eddy Ibuzo (Transportation), Mrs Easter Onyekesi (Women Affairs and Social Development) and Mr.Patrick Aghamba (Youth Development and Sports).
Their confirmation came into effect after the report by the House Committee on Screening and Election Matters, which screened 16 out of the 18 nominees.
The committee chairman and Deputy Speaker of the House, Rt Hon Chukwuma Okoye noted that two nominees, Mr. Izuchukwu M. Okafor and Barr. Tobechukwu Nweke had earlier been confirmed as Commissioners for Finance and Justice/Attorney-General respectively, hence only 16 were screened and cleared based on merit.
He maintained the screened nominees were able to prove to the Committee that they are qualified and competent in their various fields, and are desirous to put in their best in their service to the State.
Later, the House dissolved to the Committee on the Whole to consider the report of House Committee on Screening and Election Matters, during which, all the Commissioner-nominees, took turned to give account of what they will do in their respective ministries.
Hon Noble Igwe representing Ogbaru 1 Constituency moved a motion to adopt the report as a working document and was seconded by Hon Jude Akpua, representing Njikoka Two constituency.
Speaking after their confirmation, the Speaker of the House, Rt Hon Somtochukwu Udeze who presided over the plenary in Awka, charged confirmed Commissioners in the State to key into the Solution Agenda of Governor Chukwuma Soludo in the State by prioritizing the Anambra development project agenda in their various ministries as well as use their offices to improve the living condition of the citizenry.
While congratulating the Commissioners, the Speaker urged them to live up the expectations and join hands with Governor Soludo in repositioning their various ministries in order to realize the ultimate goal and thrust of the present administration which is anchored on infrastructural and human developments.
“Know that government exists for the people; therefore, ensure that every policy initiated and file signed would improve the lives of the people.
“Be prudent in fiscal management and be accessible to the people with a view to achieving a liveable and prosperous state,” Udeze said.
In his vote of thanks, the confirmed Commissioner for Information and Value Reformation, Dr Law Mefor, on behalf of others, expressed gratitude to the lawmakers for confirming them and promised that they will do the State proud in their various ministries.
He noted that their confirmation shows the symbiotic relationship existing between the legislature and the executive.
Also at plenary, the House received a fresh list of nominees from the Governor, which includes Arc. Henry Arinze (Housing), Mr. Nonso Chukwuma Ebonwu (Commerce) and Dr Augustine Ezeka (Executive Secretary, Anambra State Health Insurance Agency – ASHIA)
They shall be screened and confirmed at a later date.
