The Delta State Governor, Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, has on Monday inaugurated Chief Patrick Ukah, as the new Secretary to the State Government, SSG, and eight other appointees.
The Governor during the inauguration at Government House in Asaba, charge the political appointees to shun complacency and redouble their efforts to help his administration deliver on its promises to Deltans.
The Governor also cautioned the appointees against abandoning their duties for politics of 2023, saying getting obsessed with 2023 politics could easily make them lose track that could lead to negligence and dereliction of duty.
According to Okowa, “It is inevitable that politics will be played but as much as possible, political appointees should endeavor to stick to their responsibilities and get a firm grip of the job at hand.
“At the end of his tenure, we shall all have reasons to celebrate the legacy of a Stronger Delta, standing on the tripod of prosperity, peace, and progress.”
While congratulating the new SSG and the Special Advisers on their appointment, Okowa restated the commitment of his administration’s determination to finish strong.
He also described Chief Ukah as an integral part of his S.M.A.R.T administration, now Stronger Delta Agenda.
According to him, Ukah has served as commissioner in two ministries in the state since the beginning of his administration in 2015.
“He, therefore, brings to the office of the SSG, working knowledge of our policies and programs and is well-grounded to see to their effective implementation in his current position.
“But beyond that, the new SSG possesses an unpretentious mien, humble outlook, and bubbly personality that I believe will serve him well in this new assignment.
“I have always said that the office of the SSG requires a person who can marry policy – where the administration wants to go – and politics – how it mobilizes resources, personnel, and the necessary support for the agenda of the government.
“The SSG must not only have the capacity and competence to drive the administration’s policies and programs, but he must also be a consensus-builder and adept at managing various persuasions and handling conflicts, internal and external.
“Hence, it is required of any SSG to be broad-minded, accessible and flexible, with a good sense of fairness and justice,” he said, adding that he was proud of the job Ukah did in the two years he spent at the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education and the various committees that he had headed in the six years of his administration.
The Governor also expressed optimism that the SSG would continue in the same spirit of sacrifice, hard work, and dedication.
He said “no doubt, the office of the SSG will present a different kind of challenge. I have always been impressed by Ukah’s willingness to learn and ability to adjust quickly to situations. It is, therefore, my expectation that he will justify the confidence reposed on him with this appointment.”
While still speaking, he charged the Special Advisers to discharge their duties by section 196 (Sub-section 1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
“All of you are well acquainted with the key policy thrusts of this administration, hence, I expect you to work with a greater sense of urgency, unflagging enthusiasm, more creativity, and innovative strategies to enable us successfully execute our policies and programs for the greater good of all,” he added.
In response, the SSG thanked Okowa profusely on behalf of the appointees for the honor dedicated to them and assured him that they will not betray the confidence rested on them.
Those inaugurated along with the SSG were Dr. Kingsley Emu, Chief Economic Adviser; Mr. Omimi Esquire, Political Adviser; Chief Isaac Anwuzia, Political Adviser; Emmanuel Okoro, Special Adviser; Kelly Penawou, Special Adviser; Chief Andy Asawota, Special Adviser; Chief Edwin Uzor, Special Adviser and
Chief Godwin Ogadi Special Adviser.
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