By Tony Adibe
Members of the Enugu State House of Assembly have screened and cleared all the fifteen commissioner nominees whose names were submitted to them by the Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah.
NewsBits reports that quite unlike the usual take-a-bow-and-leave syndrome which didn’t encourage the thorough questioning, the nominees were properly and critically grilled while the speaker, Hon. Uche Ugwu allowed the legislators to ask them hard questions, however.
Nevertheless, there was an exception as Commissioner nominees who were not given tough time were the three former commissioners, Deacon Okey Ogbodo, Prof. Emmanuel Obi and Dr. Kingsley Udeh.
Fielding questions from the House members, Engr. Lawrence Eze said that if given the portfolio as the commissioner for Works, he would make sure that contractors build quality roads that can stand the test of time.
Engr. Eze explained that most roads wear off shortly after commissioning because they do not have solid foundation. He said: “If roads were built according to standard, they will stand the test of time. A good foundation has to be laid to ensure that roads do not wear off shortly they are built or constructed.”
Also, one of the nominees, Engr. Gerald Otiji said that given opportunity to serve, he would make sure that the state enjoys sustainable energy by tapping the gas deposit in the state. “With your cooperation Enugu can go on gas for 30 years and each local government can have 50 mega watts of power,” he said.
Another nominee, who is the son of former Deputy President of Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, said that if given the opportunity to serve as Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, he would make sure the judiciary enjoys financial independence or autonomy, digitalizing the court, as well as ensure that court orders are obeyed by the Executive while you rule of law would be the order of the day as these critical factors are essential for democracy to thrive in the state.
