17 persons have taken oaths of allegiance and office as commissioners in Benue State. The events took place on Monday, September 1, at the Old Banquet Hall, Government House, Makurdi.
The 17 comprised two women, with their swearing-in coming a few weeks after the Governor, Fr. Hyacinth Alia, dissolved the Benue State Executive Council, his first to chair, earlier in July this year.
Fr. Alia’s first Chief of Staff, Mr. Paul Biam; Mr. Fidelis Mnyim, Attorney General, Justice and Public Order; Mr. Terkimbi Ikyange, Youth and Sport; Prof. Moses Ogbaji, Agriculture and Natural Resources; Mr. Nick Eworo, Science and Technology; Mr. Omale Omale, Transport and Energy; Mrs. Joyce Luga, Cooperatives and Rural Development, have not returned to EXCO.
Two persons—Prof. Yangien Ornguga and Mr. James Dwem, whose nominations were stepped down by the State Assembly, were letter-cleared and have taken the oaths alongside their colleagues.
Fr. Alia said the commissioners were carefully selected, given their proven understanding of governance, transparency, and discipline, stressing that much was expected from them.
He urged the commissioners to maintain strong links with their local communities and serve as spokespersons of government programmes while upholding confidentiality in state matters.
The commissioners include Dr. Ortese Yanmar; Dr. Fredrick Ikyaan; Mr. Michael Oglegba; Mr. Tiza Isaac Imojime; Mr. Alumo Orpin; Mr. Ugwu Odoh; Mr. Kunde Aondowase; Mr. Kwaghgba Amande; Mr. Joseph Ter Jir; Mr. James Dwem; Prof. Ornguga Yangien; Mrs. Theresa Odachi Ikwue, Dr. Benjamin Ashaver, Dr. Adamu Margaret Ijaguwa; Dr. Peter Oboh Egbodo; Dennis Iyaighgba; and Dr. Paul Ejeh Ogwuche.
