By NewsCritic Reporters
Abia State Commissioner for Finance, Dr Aham Uko has assured his kinsmen of Ohuhu Umuahia that he is not involved in any shoddy transaction and will not be involved, while promising that he would maintain the Ohuhu dignity throughout the period of his service to the state.
Dr Uko made this declaration on Monday January 13, 2020 when the leaders and elders of Ohuhu led by the President-General of Ohuhu Welfare Union, High Chief Obi Aguocha paid him an official visit at his office.
Speaking during the visit, Dr Uko promised not to disappoint his people, adding that the office he is occupying today is not for him as an individual but as a messenger of the people of Ohuhuland whom he is representing.
The Finance Commissioner said he is open to advise and would always like to be told the truth, so as to make corrections where he is not getting it right, adding that he is humbled by the turnout and show of solidarity over his appointment as Commissioner for Finance.
Speaking on the erosion menace threatening the Isi-Okata and Ngwoegwu erosion sites all in Ohuhu Umuahia, Dr Uko disclosed that the World Bank has asked the Abia State government to do the survey and design, which have been carried out. He however, regretted that the process is a bit slow, but assured that it is ongoing.
He maintained that the erosion sites are not projects the state government can handle alone, while stressing that the government is going to give it greater impetus.
Uko, also explained that the state government has provided the initial funding for the regional water scheme, adding that within a short space of time pipe borne water will start to flow in Umuahia and environs.
He also said that the government is going to introduce metering of water supply as it will ensure that metres are installed at residences in the town as pilot scheme before it will extend to other areas. Dr Uko also said that the installation of streetlights will extend to Ugwunchara-Umuawa from Umuahia, saying “we are only setting the pace”.
Earlier in his opening remarks, the President-General Ohuhu Welfare Union Worldwide, Sir Obi Aguocha stressed that Ohuhu people stand in solidarity with the commissioner, and thanked Governor Okezie Ikpeazu for giving Dr Uko the opportunity to serve the state in that capacity.
Sir Aguocha noted that since Uko took over the Finance Ministry, there has been remarkable improvement on payment of salaries and pensions. He asked the commissioner to maintain the tempo and ensure that the IGR is stabilized.
The President-General applauded the attitude of the Ohuhu man whom he said is a different person, and named some Ohuhu leaders who retained their modesty to include the late Dr M.I Okpara, Chief Ukelonu, Dr Aguocha among others, pointing out that Aham Uko has retained his modesty.
He urged Uko to look into the marginalisation of Ohuhu people in the civil service in terms of posting to various ministries. He said if the trend continues it might take another 20 years for an Ohuhu man to reach the position of Director or Permanent Secretary.
On his part chief Empire Kanu said the Ohuhu people are happy with the appointment of Uko and challenged the commissioner to change the Abia narrative. The climax of the visit was the presentation of a book on Ohuhu written by an Ohuhu son to Uko by Aguocha in recognition of his commitment to service.
In attendance is the who-is-who in Ohuhuland among whom were Chief Empire Kanu, Dr Chijioke Odumuko, Allwell Onukaogu, Professor Onukawa, Chief Longman Nwachukwu, chief Ebisike Okengwu, Eze Ben Akabuike, Chief Lucky Akabuike, Chief Eze Ukelonu, Hon. Clement Onyeoziri, chief Chidiebere Nwachukwu, Chief Hope Uwaga and Prince Ben Okezie.
Others are Hon Okechukwu Ufomadu, Chief Johnson Nwachukwu, HRM Eze Nnamdi Ofoegbu, HRM Eze Philip Ajomiwe, Chief Okey Ihedioha, Hon Emeka Ejiogu, Prince Maduka Uwadi, Mr. Chika Nwabueze, Engr. Ukagwu Nwabueze and the OWU Provost, Mr Emma among other notable personalities present.
