UMUAHIA, Nigeria – The Government of Abia State has raised concerns over officials from the previous administration who are allegedly still in possession of government assets.
In a press release issued on Sunday, June 4, 2023, Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Professor Kenneth Kalu, noted that the government’s properties in question include vehicles, generators, laptop computers, and other assets.
The Government has now issued a directive requiring anyone still holding these properties to return them to the office of the SSG no later than 4 pm on Tuesday, June 6, 2023, and receive a formal acknowledgement from the office.
The press release warned, “Please note that failure to comply with this directive will attract sanctions.”
This move signals the Abia State Government’s intent to recover all government assets from the previous administration’s officials, aiming to enhance accountability and proper resource management.
Abia’s Governor Alex Otti Swiftly Appoints 22 New Officials, Freezes Government Accounts
Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, in a flurry of executive activity, has appointed 22 new officials to key positions in his government, according to a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Kazie Uko, on Thursday, June 1, 2023.
This move came just 48 hours after nominating eight other officials to his government, underscoring Otti’s resolve to hit the ground running.
Among the appointments is Uche Mark Nwosu, who will serve as the Chief of Protocol.
The governor’s newly established team also comprises ten special advisers, nine senior special assistants, and two special assistants.
These rapid-fire appointments come hot on the heels of his Monday inauguration.
Since taking office, Governor Otti has taken decisive actions, notably directing an immediate freeze on all accounts of the Abia State Government, including its agencies, across banks and financial institutions statewide and nationwide.
“The Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, is eager to forge ahead with his vision for a vibrant and transparent Abia. These appointments, coupled with the freezing of government accounts, reflect this ambition,” Kazie Uko stated.
The roster of new appointments spans various sectors, with advisers and assistants specializing in fields ranging from education, finance, and agriculture, to digital economy and SME, among others.
Notably, Professor Uche Eme Uche has been appointed as the Special Adviser on Education, and Professor Joel F. Ogbonna will serve as the Special Adviser on Petroleum and Energy.
Rev Father Christian Uche Anokwuru, PhD, is set to advise on Policies and Interventions.
“This diverse and competent team will help build a vibrant, efficient, and citizen-oriented governance system. We are eager to hit the ground running,” Governor Otti said.
The swift and comprehensive appointments, alongside the financial directives, signal Governor Otti’s intent to move forward assertively in shaping his government.
With an eye on revamping Abia State’s governance, the Governor’s actions continue to set the tone for his term.
