NIGERIA (Anambra)-Governor Willie Obiano has announced the retention of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Oseloka Obaze, who served in the Peter Obi’s administration.

The new governor made this known yesterday on his first official outing, while making further appointments.
Howard University Professor in the United State, Joseph Asike, was appointed his Chief of Staff and Mr. Willy Nwokoye, said to be a banker, became the Principal Secretary to the governor .

The oaths of allegiance and office were also administered to the new government officials by the Solicitor-General of the state, Mrs.  Tina Emeke -Ekwue, at Government House, Awka.

In his brief remarks, Obiano charged the newly appointed to be dedicated in their duties because of various challenges ahead.

"The task ahead is huge, we need the best hands, and I believe they will deliver," he said. 

Responding on behalf of the new appointees, Oseloka thanked the governor for the honour extended  to them, saying they would work hard to meet the expectations of the governor and the challenges of governance in the state.

Also, the governor yesterday met with members of the House of Assembly as part of the activities of his first day in office with a call on the lawmakers to join hands with him to build the state.

He acknowledged the importance of a strong law making body in a democracy, while promising effective partnership with the law makers.

“Long before I began to take political leadership seriously, I had always known that any democracy without a strong parliament is a farce!

“I have known that the legislature is the true backbone of democracy and the single most important repository of the sovereign will of the people. I have the greatest regard for you and what you represent to the quest for a new and better Anambra State.”

The governor told the House of Assembly that now more than ever before, the state stands at the threshold of change  and praised his predecessor, Obi, for instituting the change, and assured them that his administration has no other  choice than to sustain the flame of progress.

In her remark, the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Chinwe Nwaebili, congratulated the governor for his successful inauguration and observed that he practically hit the ground running as confirmed by the meeting with the state legislature.

She assured the governor of the cooperation and commitment of members of the Assembly to work for the progress of the state.