By Celestine Okafor (Editor-in-Chief)

Imo State governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, on Monday, swore in the new members of his state executive council who were recently cleared by the State House of Assembly.

Among the new Commissioners inaugurated by the governor includes, Dr. Ugorji Okechukwu Ugorji, an American trained security expert and author who was until recently, his Special Adviser in the same position. The governor also swore-in his new Chief Economic Adviser and subsequently assigned portfolios to the new cabinet.

The new Commissioners and their portfolios are Prof. EJC Duru (Commissioner for Environment), Dr. Prosper Ohayagha Success Obinna (Commissioner for Health); Prof. Sylvester Ifunanya Okorondu (Commissioner for Education); Dr. Anthony Christian Mgbeahuruike (Commissioner for Livestock), and Barr. Kezie Ogaziechi (Commissioner for Land Survey).

Others are: Barr. Rex Anunobi (Commissioner for Transport); Lady Dr. Love Ineh (Commissioner for Housing); Hon. Mrs. Ruby Emele (Local Government & Chieftaincy Affairs); Mrs. Simon Ebegbulem Commissioner for Commerce & Industry); Chief (Dr) Okey Anukwuem (Commissioner for Special Duties); Chief Ford Ozumba (Commissioner for Labour /Productivity) and Lady Ann Dozie (Commissioner for Power/Water Resources.

Other Commissioners are: Rt. Hon. Goodluck Opiah (Commissioner for Petroleum); Hon. Stanley C Obidiegwu (Commissioner for Special Projects); Dr. Ugorji Okechukwu Ugorji (Commissioner for Homeland Security / Vigilante Affairs); Dr. Elias Emedom (Commissioner for Mines/Solid Minerals); Dr. Berth Okorochukwu (Commissioner for Agriculture) and Hajia Rabbi Ibrahim (Commissioner Humanitarian Affairs).

Meanwhile, the new Commissioner for Homeland Security and Vigilante Affairs, Dr Ugorji Okechukwu Ugorji, in his message of appreciation to governor Hope Uzodimma and to his family, friends, and supporters, said: "Today, just at about high noon, His Excellency Governor Hope Uzodimma swore in a new set of Commissioners to join those who were still serving. Yours truly was one of the beneficiaries of this Governor's benevolence. "First, I have no words that are adequate to express my gratitude to Governor Uzodimma. No matter how skilled or talented one is, it would amount to very little if one does not get opportunities to use or demonstrate them. The opportunities the governor of Imo State has given me is this chance, not just to serve in his Shared Prosperity Government, but also to make a difference in the lives of the citizenry of Imo State. I shall not fail him or my beloved people of Imo State.

Read Also: BUHARI REJECTS ASSENT TO ELECTORAL ACT AMENDMENT BILL, GIVES REASONS

"Chinua Achebe told us that *"one characteristic of integrity is it's blunt refusal to be compromised."* Governor Uzodimma's resolve to pursue the recovery of the taken properties of Imo State as part of his 3R agenda marks him out as a man of integrity. His accomplishments in this direction will establish a refreshing, reassuring landscape of patriotic conduct for all government officials moving forward.

"Nnamdi Azikiwe reminded us that *"freedom is a state of mind. Power is a function of the will. Freedom radiates power."* Governor Uzodimma's freedom from political godfathers and his steely will in steering the ship of our state radiate power that is greatly inspiring.

"Martin Luther King Jr. counseled us that *"the ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in times of comfort and convenience, but where he stands in times of challenges and controversy."* Governor Hope Uzodimma's choice to stand with our people in facing down the sponsored and orchestrated challenges of insecurity in the state and his great strides in that arena speak loudly for his character.

"His Excellency has elevated my current portfolio of SA on Homeland Security and Intelligence to a full-fledged Ministry of Homeland Security and Vigilante Affairs. In doing so, Governor Uzodimma has demonstrated his foresight in, and comfort with new methodologies and a holistic,whole-of-government approach to security and safety.

"Further, there can be no greater appraisal of my team's performance in the last 12 months than the creation of the ministry. We now have the historic and exciting task of building a new ministry at the direction of Governor Uzodimma. A ministry we hope will streamline security efforts in the state and become a model for the rest of the country.

"To my family, friends, supporters, and many who have prayed for me in various places of worship and offered me congratulations in various languages, I say thank you.I stand on the shoulders of those who came before me. My commitment is to help many others stand as well", Dr Ugorji. NNL.