No Sycophancy, No Excuses, Otti Tells New Commissioners

Emmanuel Ugwu–Nwogo in Umuahia

In a stern warning to the 16 newly inaugurated commissioners, Abia State Governor, Mr. Alex Otti yesterday emphasised his stance against sycophancy, excuses, and corruption

Otti, former Managing Director of Diamond Bank, added that under his administration, such practices would not be tolerated, thought promised to fulfil the mandate entrusted to him by the people of the state.

He gave the warning during the inauguration held at the Government House in Umuahia, Abia State capital Friday.

Otti urged his commissioners to view their positions as opportunities to serve the people diligently and not as avenues for personal gain.

He said his administration would uphold a zero-tolerance policy toward corruption, sending a strong message that any form of corrupt behaviour would be met with severe consequences.

“Excuses shall not be tolerated, and you must be willing at all times to demonstrate that you deserve to remain on this ship.

“Sycophancy shall have no place in this administration, as you shall be judged strictly based on what you are bringing to the table, your contribution to improving the material conditions of our people.”

Otti said the policies and programmes of the government would be focused on job creation, poverty alleviation, and measurable improvement in the living conditions of the people.

“The development of critical infrastructure such as quality roads, effective drainage system and robust energy distribution network to power homes and industries are also key responsibilities.

 “An assignment that shall not be taken lightly under the new administration, and developing an effective framework to achieve these must move at a faster pace now that you are on board.

“The responsibilities are huge, you can neither afford to delay nor fail. Resources are limited, I must admit, but you must be prepared to make the most of whatever is available to you to drive the outcomes that we seek.

“I do not expect you to achieve everything in a day, but I expect you to make a daily commitment to fulfilling the promises that got us elected,” Otti explained.

The governor said he was optimistic that the newly sworn-in commissioners would deliver on their various assignments and live up to the huge expectations of the people by building “a new Abia State that works”

Responding on behalf of his colleagues, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ikechukwu Uwanna, thanked the governor for the honour to serve the people of Abia State.

Uwanna said that the task before each commissioner was huge, and they would work with the consciousness of the oath of allegiance that they had sworn to.

He added that they would work to enable the governor to deliver the mandate given to him by the people of Abia State.

The commissioners include Prof Monica Ironkwe (Agriculture); Mr. Kingsley Anosike (Budget and Planning); Prof. Uche Eme Uche (Education); Mr. Philemon Ogbonna (Environment and Urban Renewal), Dr. Ngozi Okoronkwo (Health); Mr. Okey Kanu (Information and Culture); and Mr. Chaka Chukwumerije, (Lands and Housing).

Others are Mr Uzor Nwachukwu (Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs); Prof. Joel Friday Ogbonna (Petroleum and Mineral Resources); Mr. Chima Oriaku (Science and Technology); Mr. Nwaobilor Ananaba (Sports and Youth Development); Dr. Chikezie Ukaegbu (Trade, Commerce, and Industry); Mr. Don Oti (Works), Mr. Sunny Onwuma (Transport); Dr. Mathew Ekwuribe (Digital Economy/SME).