Governor Peter Mbah on Monday swore in 13 newly appointed permanent secretaries, charging them to align with his administration’s delivery-oriented governance model.

The new permanent secretaries are Chigbogu Nnaji, Phoebe Edeh, Philip Arum, Jeremiah Egbonwonu, Ifeoma Igwe, Ngozi Egbo, Nkiru Ede-Ogunnaike, Pamela Ikpa, Canice Ngene, Anyaora Okereke, Adaobi Nwodo, Ikechukwu Ezenwukwa, and Paul Nwabuisi.

Speaking at the event at Government House, Enugu, Mr Mbah said there would be no honeymoon period for them in office.

Mr Mbah explained that the appointments were strictly merit-based, having emerged from a rigorous and transparent selection process, and that they also filled existing vacancies in the civil service to promote equality, inclusion and fairness.

He reminded them that so much responsibility accompanied their elevation, noting that the reward for hard work was more work.

“I believe you worked very hard to get to this level in your career, and you went through a very rigorous process to be selected.

“So, it is well deserved. But let me also remind you that the honeymoon is over. To whom much is given, much is expected,” he said.

He described permanent secretaries as the engine room of government and custodians of institutional memory, adding that governance under his administration was carrying out far-reaching reforms across all sectors.

Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, the solicitor-general and permanent secretary at the Ministry of Justice, Mr Ezenwukwa, thanked the governor for the confidence reposed in them and pledged their unwavering commitment to the administration’s vision.

He acknowledged the gains recorded by the Mbah administration in revenue generation and infrastructural development.

“We pledge to add value to these achievements. We assure you that you will not be disappointed in appointing us,” Mr Ezenwukwa said.

(NAN)