Abia state governor Dr Okezie Ikpeazu today at the Government House Executive Chambers, Umuahia threatened to fire the Permanent Secretary in charge of government house following the unconducive state of the EXCO chambers during a state function.
A visibly angry Ikpeazu after performing the swearing in ceremony of the seven new permanent secretaries appointed by the state government ordered that the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Barr Chris Ezem should effect the sacking order on the permanent secretary in the event that he fails to fix the dysfunctional air condition system in the chambers within the next hour. The governor was billed to perform another function but had to put it on hold because of the stuffy nature of the hall.
The governor was quoted to have said, ‘’look SSG make sure you remove the permanent secretary should I come back and meet this place still like this’’.
Sources disclosed that the governor was enraged that the air condition system in the executive chambers are not functioning making the atmosphere very unpleasant to stay, yet there is a permanent secretary in charge of the government house.
News Critic gathered that the permanent secretary has acquired two new split unit air condition system immediately and it was being installed at the time of filing this report. Sources further disclosed that should the permanent secretary survive the threat; he will not escape query because the governor was totally embarrassed by the situation of the exco chambers.
Meanwhile Governor Ikpeazu while addressing the new permanent secretaries of Abia State Public Service charged them to be arrowheads of reform and agents of change.
Ikpeazu reminded them that the Civil Service is and will remain the engine room of every government which plays very critical roles in sustaining the stability of the government.
As an administration, Ikpeazu said ‘’we are focused on job creation because we believe that government must be able to provide platforms to create jobs which explains why we take the Enyimba Economic City very seriously because of its potentials to expand our economy and create jobs”.
“As leaders of the service, you must provide mentorship to your younger colleagues. I am confident that judging from your various track records in the service over the years, you will discharge your assignments with diligence and dignity. I congratulate you on attaining the apex position in your chosen careers and let me formally welcome you to the Body of Permanent Secretaries”.
Earlier, the Solicitor General of the State and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice, Enyinnaya Okezie Esq had administered the oaths on the new Permanent Secretaries.
Responding on behalf of his colleagues, Mr. I C Nwachukwu thanked the Governor for finding them fit for this elevation and assured that in the finest traditions of the service, they will be diligent in the discharge of their duties.
Wife of the Governor, Mrs Nkechi Ikpeazu, wife of the Deputy Governor, Lady Vivian Oko Chukwu, Secretary to the State Government, Barrister Chris Ezem, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Uche Ihediwa Esq, State Head of Service, Sir Onyii Wamah, Permanent Secretaries, etc were present at the event.
