Okowa promises zero tolerance for corruption

DELTA State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa has sworn in 12 new Commissioners and five Special Advisers with an assurance that his administration has zero tolerance for corruption in the management of government business.

The newly sworn in Commissioners are Barr. Mrs Mary Iyasere (Commerce and Industry), Hon. John Nani (Environment), Dr. Kingsley Emu(Economic Planning), Chief James Augoye(Works), Mr. Vincent Uduaghan(Transport), Mr. Newworld Safugha(Energy), and Mr. Joseph Ogeh(Housing). Others are Mr. Fidelis Tilije(Water Resources Development), Rev. Mrs. Omashola Williams(Women Affairs), Mr. Austin Chikezie(Agriculture and Natural Resources), Hon. Joyce Overah(Science and Technology) and Mr. Chiedu Ebie(Basic and Secondary Education).

The special advisers are Mr Emmanuel Ogidi(Rural Development and Peace Building), Senator Emmanuel Aguariavwodo(Infrastructure and Housing Development), Rt. Hon. Martins Okonta(Land Resources and Legislative Matters), Hon. Pascal Adigwe(National Assembly Matters and Inter-governmental Liaison)and Comrade Mike Okeme(Labour Relations).

Speaking yesterday in Asaba, while swearing in the commissioners and Special Advisers, Governor Okowa charged the Commissioners to  join him in the fight against corruption so as to retain the implicit confidence and trust the people reposed on them.

He reminded the commissioners and special advisers that it was no longer business as usual in the management of government activities and urged them to be honest, diligent and responsible in the discharge of their duties

‘’Corruption starves the state of valuable resources that could be used for infrastructural development, improve our educational systems, boost our healthcare system and take care of the poor and needy. Worse is that anywhere it is allowed to fester the cost of doing business becomes prohibitive. I want to seek the support and partnership of all public office holders to lead the fight against corruption in their respective offices, that is the only way to retain the trust and confidence the people have bestowed upon us,”he said.

Senator Okowa charged all political appointees in his administration to shun ethnic politics and sectionalism and regard the entire state as their constituency, while stressing that they must be fair to all Deltans.

According to him ‘’I want to make it crystal clear that this administration has zero tolerance for sectionalism and nepotism. Given the pan-Delta mandate that brought us here we cannot afford to do any less. ‘’

Mrs. Mary Iyasere who responded on behalf of the newly sworn in commissioners and special advisers thanked Governor Okowa for the appointment and assured him of their readiness to join him in ensuring prosperity for all Deltans.