By DADA AYOKHAI
Three commissioner appointees from the Edo North district made the first batch of the list of fifteen newly sworn-in commissioners
Gov. Godwin Obaseki had, penultimate week, at a solemn ceremony held at the Council Chambers of the Government House, Benin, sworn in a total of fifteen commissioners.
He described the new set of commissioners as the lot expected to put a “finishing touch” on the good work started by his administration”
The new commissioner appointees are Hon. Patrick Uanseru Iriavboi, Owan East; Hon. Christian Omoh Ekwu, Akoko Edo; and, Hon. Uyi Oduwa Malaka, Owan West.
According to a Government House source, the newly sworn-in commissioners represent the first batch chosen from a section of the local governments across the state.
The source added that the second batch will be released soon, adding that it will reflect the diversity as well as varied interests in the state.
However, only three out of the six council areas in the Edo North district have been adequately compensated namely, Owan East, Owan West, and the Akoko Edo respectively.
The other three council areas in Etsako such as Etsako West, East, and Central may get their fair share of the largesse in the second batch expected to be released very soon.
In his remarks at the swearing-in, Gov. Obaseki hailed the composition of his new cabinet, saying he is happy that it is made up of competent men and women of high standing who have proven their worth in their various careers as well as communities, noting he expects nothing less than a superlative performance from each of them to ensure his administration finishes strongly in its last lap
He said, “This team is coming to consolidate on the excellent work done so far to make Edo great again. We will not be distracted in the next 18 months as we have a lot to finish in various sectors”.
Meanwhile, intense lobbying has ensued over the composition of the second batch of the names of those to be appointed as commissioners.
Most of the interested applicants are reported to have enlisted the assistance of political chieftains and other influential people, including top traditional rulers, to put in a word or two on their behalf
