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Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta on Wednesday swore in eight additional Special Advisers (SAs), bringing to 13 the nubmer of his special aides appointed so far in his second term in office.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the governor on July 2 sworn in the first batch of five special advisers.
The new SAs are Chief Edwin Uzor, Pascal Adigwe, Mr Mike Okeme, Prince Kelly Penawou, Chief Mary Iyasere, Johnson Erijo, Daniel Yingi, and Barrister Ernest Ogwezzy.
The SAs earlier sworn in were Sylvester Monye (Senior Policy Adviser), Dr Kingsley Emu (Chief Economic Adviser), Sen. Emmanuel Aguariavwodo (Housing and Urban Development), Mr Emmanuel Okoro (Rural Development) and Efe Ofoburuku (Legislative Matters).
The governor, however, directed the newly sworn in SAs to contact the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) for the letters assigning them their portfolios.
Okowa said that the appointments were coming in batches to ensure that the right set of persons were fixed into the right positions.
“I believe that the process of political appointments is continuous and appointments will come in batches because, we are all aware that there is room for a lot of people to be given political appointments.
“BUT it is not possible to appoint all Deltans into office.
“The appointment and swearing-in of this set of Special Advisers, further demonstrates this administration’s determination and collective resolve to put in place, a viable machinery of governance.
“This will assist in meeting the challenges of repositioning the state towards achieving our vision of a stronger Delta.
“The appointments we are making are premised on professionalism, merit and competence.
“I urge those who are yet to be appointed to be patient because, all those who worked will be rewarded in one way or the other; please, keep praying for me and the administration,” he said.
He admonished the special advisers and other political appointees in his administration to acquaint themselves with government policy direction.
The governor said that the appointments should facilitate professional and technical inputs into the decision making process of government.
“I encourage the newly sworn in advisers to bring in their wealth of experience to bear, so that the tempo with which the government is pursuing its various projects and programmes, gets accelerated.
“You should demonstrate exemplary leadership qualities, carry the people along and see the appointments as opportunity to serve the people,” he said.
The governor urged them to regard themselves as bridges between the people and government so that the people’s yearnings and aspirations could be satisfied.
Responding on behalf of the SAs, Chief Edwin Uzor, praised God and thanked the governor for considering them fit to be part of the team to build a stronger Delta.
“We identify with your vision and we will work with you for the desired objectives to be achieved,” Uzor said.
NAN
