Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, officially swore in 13 newly appointed Permanent Secretaries on Monday, December 15, warning that their appointments came with high expectations and zero tolerance for laxity.
In a ceremony held at the Government House, Enugu, the governor charged the appointees to key into his administration’s results-focused governance framework, describing them as pivotal to his vision of transforming the state.
“There is no honeymoon period,” Mbah said pointedly, addressing the new senior civil servants.
“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 underscored the gravity of their new roles, insisting that only those with a firm grasp of accountability, efficiency, and innovation would succeed under his administration.
Mbah highlighted that the appointments were strictly merit-based, stemming from a transparent and competitive process that prioritized equity and inclusiveness in the state’s civil service.
“These appointments were not just to fill vacancies; they represent our commitment to fairness, inclusion, and excellence in public service,” he added.
The 13 Permanent Secretaries sworn in 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
- Paul Nwabuisi
The governor described permanent secretaries as the “engine room of government” and custodians of institutional memory, noting that they play a critical role in implementing far-reaching reforms across all sectors of the state.
“Our government is not just maintaining the status quo. We are reforming, restructuring, and reimagining governance for efficiency and long-term growth,” Mbah said.
Speaking on behalf of the appointees, Ikechukwu Ezenwukwa, who also serves as the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice, expressed gratitude to the governor for the trust placed in them.
He applauded the administration’s strides in infrastructure and revenue generation, pledging unwavering commitment.
“We pledge to add value to these achievements. We assure you that you will not be disappointed in appointing us,” he stated.