Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, has warned his new commissioners and special advisers against engaging in corrupt practices in the management of government businesses.

Okowa said this while swearing in 12 commissioners and five special advisers in Asaba, the Delta State capital.

The 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 Bro. Emmanuel Ogidi (Rural Development and Peace Building), Sen. 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).

The governor charged the commissioners to join him in the fight against corruption so as to retain the implicit confidence and trust Deltans have reposed on them.

He reminded the appointees that it is 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, even worse is that anywhere it is allowed to fester the cost of doing business becomes prohibitive,” Senator Okowa said.

The governor added, “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.”

As part of his resolve to curb wastefulness in government, Governor Okowa directed all ministries, departments and agencies in the state not to use government funds to place adverts for him as he clocks 56 on the 8th of July.

He also urged his friends and well-wishers who intend to do same to channel such funds to the empowerment of less privileged persons in their communities.

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.

“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. The horrible thing about ethnic politics is that it appeals to our worst instincts and fuels our greatest fears.

“As commissioners and special advisers, always remember that you have been appointed to serve the entire state, treat and give every citizen equal opportunity and the chance to realise his or her potentials and benefit from our programmes. People are looking up to see in you the qualities of fairness, equity and justice that are the articles of faith of this administration,” he said.

Senator Okowa congratulated the commissioners and special advisers and urged them to key into the SMART agenda of his administration especially the job creation programmes, stressing: “It is incumbent on you to make the attainment of these lofty goals in the SMART agenda your watchword, they must be the focal point around which all your decisions and actions will revolve.”

Barr. Mrs. Mary Iyasere, who responded on behalf of the 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.

•Photo shows Governor Okowa with some of the new commissioners, assistants and advisers.

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