By Ewa Innocent, The Sight News
Abakaliki: Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi state and his deputy,Barr.Kelechi Igwe have been sworn in for the second term in office amidst joy and jubilations from the people of the state,who trooped out en mass to witness the occasion.
The swearing in ceremony which took place at Pa Ngele Oruta stadium, Abakaliki, was perfomed by the chief Judge of Ebonyi state, Justice Aloy Nwankwo.
In his inaugural speech,governor Umahi announced the dissolution of the State Executive Council and principal officers—a situation which shocked the EXCO members, especially after he had asked them during the valedictory session held on Tuesday, not to panic.
He also urged them to continue with their work as according to the governor, “the holding of valedictory session did not mean the dissolution of the council”.
The directive they thought, would mean continuity without dissolution.
Meanwhile, the Governor also announced the removal of the Accountant-General of the State, Mrs Queen Agwu while replacing her with a new appointee, Mrs Christiana Ukwuta, from Ishielu Local Government Area of the State.
On his second tenure agenda, Umahi said he will not only consolidate on the achievement of his first tenure,but will also expand the transformation agenda of his administration,to make Ebonyi one of the best economy in Nigeria.
He added that he will pursue the internally generated revenue base of the state to help make the state self sustaining.
According to him, “We will pursue enhanced internally generated revenue policy and generate sustainable employment, particularly in the private sector.
“We will ensure financial empowerment of citizens leading to higher quality of life, making the state a choice destination for cultural, eco-tourism and a global leisure resort.
“A haven for investors will be created through a balanced and vibrant economy and providing effective leadership and political governance to improve people’s lives.
“We will create an Ebonyi economy that will be self-propelled, self-sustaining and reliant within 10 years, thereby reducing risks of dependence on the Federal Government’s statutory allocations.
“We will create jobs for citizens, most especially in the private sector, thereby addressing the current huge dependence on civil employment and its adverse implications for over-head costs,” he said.
Governor Umahi listed his achievements in his first tenure to include: upgrading of 13 general hospitals (completion of hospital buildings, landscaping and perimeter fencing of hospital premises).
“We have constructed several roads, bridges among others and have massively developed our rural areas because majority of our people are domiciled there,” he said.
“We have spent N11 billion primarily into rice cultivation and tangentially into cassava and poultry farming, as well as the construction, procurement and installation of fertilizer blending plants, among others.
