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Some commissioners taking the oath of office.

Governor Okowa with the special Advisers.

Within two days of Tuesday and today Monday, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa at the Government House, Asaba swore-in the first batch Special Advisers and commissioners as members of the state executive council.
The governor at today’s swearing-in of eight commissioners, said fairness, equity and justice are trademark of his administration that all political appointees must imbibe, emphasizing that his administration has zero tolerance for sectionalism and nepotism.
The Commissioners who took oath of office were Mrs Flora Alatan, Chief James Augoye, Rt. Hon Basil Ganagana, Barr. Peter Mrakpor, Prof. Patrick Muoboghare, Chief Festus Ochonogor, Hon. Chika Ossai, Chief Patrick Ukah.
The governor, whie congratulating the Commissioners observed that the expectations of Deltans are high and urged them and other political appointees to see themselves as people who are “representing the entire Delta people in the cabinet, and that you are there to serve their interests, because the task before us is huge; we have set the goal of building a Stronger Delta predicated on Prosperity, Peace and Progress.
“Yes, it is true that each of you was nominated from a Local Government Area, but the moment you become a Commissioner, the entire Delta becomes your constituency and as such, you must be fair to all and be responsive to the needs and aspirations of all and sundry,” he said at the ceremony which was attended by his wife, Dame Edith, his Deputy, Barr. Kingsley Otuaro, former Deputy Governors Benjamin Elue and Prof. Amos Utuama (SAN), among top politicians from across the state.
He admonished the Commissioners to embrace the concept of team leadership and collective responsibility, emphasizing, “you cannot operate in isolation or be a one man riot squad; employ and deploy the knowledge, skill and experience of the civil service personnel that work with you; you will need them to succeed.
“As Commissioners, you must lead by example; do not expect your staff to be punctual if you are in the habit of coming late to the office; do not expect them to be prudent with government resources if you are wasteful; do not expect them to go the extra mile to meet targets if you are not willing to do so yourself; people don’t do what you tell them; they do what they see you do because, as the saying goes, everything rises and falls on leadership; the buck stops at your table,” Governor Okowa stated, adding, “be prayerful; put your trust in God; ask Him for wisdom, strength and direction; depend on Him every step of the way and He will see you through.”
Responding on behalf of all the Commissioners who were sworn-in at the occasion, Prof. Muoboghare thanked the Governor for choosing them to be members of his team to build a stronger Delta, assuring that they will discharge their duties with the fear of God and will be fair to all Deltans.
Also yesterday, Tuesday, 2/7/2019, Governor Okowa administered oath of office on five Special Advisers saying that their knowledge, wisdom and experience will improve the performance of his administration in its strive to deliver on its electoral promise of a Stronger Delta.
According to the governor who spoke shortly after the oath was delivered on the Special Advisers at Government House, Asaba, “Special Advisers play important roles in our modern democratic setting; they are carefully selected for their specific policy expertise and ability to skilfully navigate the layers of bureaucracy and partisan viewpoints to deliver on the administration’s goals and objectives. Modern statecraft places a demand on them to lessen the burden of the demanding and complex workload of the Chief Executive.”
Those who were sworn-in as Special Advisers at the well-attended ceremony were Prof. Sylvester Monye {Senior Policy Adviser}; Dr Kingsley Emu {Chief Economic Adviser}; Senator Emmanuel Agwariawodo (Housing and Human Development; Rt. Hon Emmanuel Okoro (Rural and Community Development; and Hon. Efe Ofoburuku (Legislative Matters}.
“It is true that our first tenure ended on a high and even now, we continue to receive plaudits for our phenomenal achievements in job creation, human capital development and infrastructural renewal, but, we cannot afford to rest on our oars because, the next four years promise to be as fulfilling as it would be challenging,” Governor Okowa said, stating, “we must think outside the box in order to proffer creative solutions to unexpected developments as we march forward; we are resolved in our quest for a diversified, inclusive and self-reliant economy that will withstand any external shocks.”
He continued, “as Special Advisers, being experts in your respective fields, I expect nothing but sound, practical advice that meets global best practices because, this administration expects from you bold ideas and initiatives that will engender Prosperity, Peace and Progress. “
The governor who observed that the expectations are high as his administration builds a Stronger Delta, asserted, “this administration is always ready and willing to work with Deltans at home and in Diaspora and from all walks of life; we welcome advice and suggestions that will help us better the lot of our people and make our beloved Delta State the pride of all and I also expect all and sundry people to continue to pray for the continued success of this administration because when we succeed, the citizens are all the better for it.”
Responding on behalf of the Special Advisers who were sworn-in, Prof. Sylvester Monye thanked Governor Okowa for believing in their abilities to render advice and contribute to the success stories of his administration, assuring that they will do their best to contribute towards achieving a Stronger Delta State.