Governor Mbah Inaugurates Two New Commissioners, Emphasises No Break in Governance Drive
Enugu State Governor, Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, has inaugurated two new commissioners into the State Executive Council, declaring that both new and existing appointees must remain fully committed to duty, with no room for complacency or extended breaks. The governor said the appointments form part of his administration’s strategy to reinforce governance structures and sustain the pace of development achieved within less than three years in office.
The inauguration ceremony took place on Wednesday at the Executive Chambers of the Government House in Enugu. The newly sworn-in commissioners are Barrister Osinachi Nnajieze and Dr. Charles Egumgbe. Barr. Nnajieze, who previously served as Special Adviser on Legal Matters to the governor, was appointed as the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, replacing Dr. Kingsley Udeh, who currently serves as the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology at the federal level.
Dr. Charles Egumgbe was appointed Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, a new portfolio created following the restructuring and splitting of the former Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Chieftaincy Affairs. Governor Mbah announced that Deacon Okey Ogbodo would continue to oversee the Ministry of Local Government Affairs, ensuring continuity in the administration of local councils across the state.
Addressing the appointees during the brief ceremony, Governor Mbah made it clear that there would be no holiday for members of his cabinet, stressing that the demands of governance required sustained focus and urgency. He explained that the administration’s performance so far had significantly raised public expectations, making it imperative for government officials to maintain momentum and deliver measurable results.
According to the governor, strengthening institutional processes remains central to his administration’s agenda. As part of this effort, he announced a new policy directive requiring that all contract payments in the state must receive clearance from the Office of the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice. The move, he said, is aimed at curbing sharp practices by unscrupulous contractors and enhancing transparency in public spending.
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“All we do and achieve in this state is determined by the effectiveness of the Ministry of Justice,” Governor Mbah stated. “The Ministry of Justice is the engine room of governance because no contract, investment, or project can proceed without its clearance.”
He urged the new Attorney General to brace for the enormity of the task ahead, noting that the state plans to invest approximately ₦1.3 trillion in capital projects in the coming fiscal year. According to him, this level of expenditure places a heavy responsibility on the Ministry of Justice to function as the government’s quality assurance and control mechanism.
“We have started a policy where there will be no payment to any contractor without clearance from the Attorney General’s office,” the governor said. “You must hit the ground running. There is no Christmas break for you or for other appointees. We must sustain the momentum.”
On the creation of the Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Governor Mbah described traditional institutions and rural communities as critical pillars of governance and development in Enugu State. He explained that the new ministry was designed to strengthen traditional leadership structures and ensure orderly administration at the grassroots level.
He charged Dr. Egumgbe to work closely with traditional rulers and community leaders to promote stability, accountability, and development, emphasising that traditional rulers serve as the government’s eyes and ears within their communities. The governor also stressed that occupants of traditional stools must be individuals of integrity who emerge through credible processes accepted by their people.
Responding on behalf of the newly inaugurated commissioners, Barr. Osinachi Nnajieze expressed appreciation to the governor for the confidence reposed in them. He acknowledged the weight of expectations placed on the appointees and pledged their commitment to advancing the governor’s vision for Enugu State.
“We understand the responsibility that comes with this appointment,” Nnajieze said. “We will add impetus to the governor’s vision and work tirelessly to support the unprecedented transformation of Enugu State.”
The inauguration underscores Governor Mbah’s leadership style, which places strong emphasis on discipline, institutional reform, and continuous service delivery, as his administration seeks to entrench a results-driven culture within the Enugu State government.