Ikpeazu swears-in Information Commissioner, 17 Transition Committee Chairmen; donates 20 patrol vans to security agencies

Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State, on Wednesday in Umuahia, swore-in Chief Okiyi Kalu as the Information Commissioner.
Ikpeazu also swore-in 17 chairmen and deputies of Local Government Area Transition Committees in the state.
Speaking at the ceremony held at the Michael Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia, the governor urged the appointees to be diligent in discharge of their duties.
He said that Kalu’s reappointment as Information Commissioner was as a result of his outstanding commitment towards realising the objectives of the administration.
“Once again you have been appointed because of your service to the local government and Abia State, we expect you to correct the mistakes you have made,’’ he said.
The governor, who also urged the transition committees to be open to suggestions and constructive criticisms, said government would not tolerate incompetence in service delivery.
“We expect you to face the business of governance and administration because your activities are central and pivotal to the well-being of the people,” he said.
Ikpeazu said his administration was expecting a cordial relationship between the transition committee and the people at the third tier level.
“We shall have zero tolerance for corruption, ineptitude, insensitivity and dereliction of duty,” he said.
Responding, Kalu thanked the governor for finding him worthy of reappointment, saying, “I will double my commitment in serving Abia people”.
Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, Chief Paul Onyegbu, transition committee chairman for Bende Local Government Area, pledged commitment of the committees to the service of Abia people.
Those sworn-in as transition committee chairmen also include Mr Charles Esonu; Aba North, Dr N.C. Okoli; Aba South, Mr Dan Okoli; Arochukwu, Mr Chiemezie Okoronkwo; Isiala Ngwa North and Mr Ike Anyatonwu; Isiala Ngwa South.
Others are; Mr Dan Chima; Ikwuano, Mr Chima Agbaeze; Isiukwuato, Mr Chidiebere Ihenyirimadu; Obingwa, Mr Mba Ukagha; Ohafia, Mr Victor Nwaogu; Osisioma Ngwa and Mr Kelechi Onyenze; Umuahia North.
Ikpeazu also swore in Mr Neighbour Onwukaike for Umuahia South, Mr Chima Mgbeke; Umunneochi, Mr O. C. Nwamuo; Ukwa East, Mr Ephraim Nwaji; Ukwa West and Mr Chijioke Uruakpa; Ugwunagbo.
Meanwhile, Ikpeazu has presented 20 security patrol vans to security agencies in the state to boost the fight against crime.
Speaking during the presentation of the vehicles to various security agencies in Government House, Umuahia, he said that the state government was commitment to ridding the state of all forms of crime and criminality.
Ikpeazu said that plans had been concluded on the procurement of additional 10 vehicles, which would be distributed before the end of the June.
He said that the gesture was an indication that present administration attached importance to the issue of security of lives and property in the state.
Ikpeazu said that the role of peace and stability in achievement of sustainable could not be over emphasised, adding that issues of security remained at the front burner of the present administration.
The governor said that the state government would continually evolve programmes and policies that would complement the efforts of the Federal Government in tackling insecurity.
Ikpeazu said that the state government was focused on creating a safe ambience that would attract both local and foreign investments into the state.
He expressed hope that the gesture would help in enhancing the performance of security agencies in the fight against crime and urged the agencies to utilise the vehicles judiciously.
Responding on behalf of other security agencies, Mr Ene Okon, the state Police Commissioner, thanked the governor and assured him that security agencies would utilise the vehicles judiciously.
Twenty Innoson Various Motors (IVM) pickup trucks were distributed to the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corp.