Ebonyi Assembly Confirms Chairmen, Members of EBSIEC, Civil Service Commission

The Ebonyi State House of Assembly on Monday confirmed the nominations of key officials into strategic government institutions, including the Ebonyi State Independent Electoral Commission (EBSIEC) and the State Civil Service Commission, following a screening exercise at the Assembly complex on Nkaliki Road, Abakaliki.

The plenary session, presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Chinedu Onah, considered the nominees forwarded by Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru and ratified their appointments after what lawmakers described as “satisfactory evaluations” of their qualifications and past public service records.

Approved Appointments

Those confirmed for EBSIEC include Mr. Patrick Enyi as Chairman, alongside six members: Dr. Hyacinth Nwoba, Hon. Collins Agbo, Dr. Irem Collins Okechukwu, Mr. Stanley Odanwu, Mr. Ibiam Emmanuel, and Mr. Nwaja Eric Uchenna. Dr. Fidelis Nwele Uguru was confirmed as the Secretary of the Commission.

Additionally, Lady Virginia Okemini Oketa was confirmed as the Chairman of the Ebonyi State Civil Service Commission.

Lawmakers Endorse Credentials

Presenting the Governor’s nomination letter to the Assembly, Speaker Moses Odunwa said the Governor’s choices reflect deep understanding of governance and a deliberate focus on competence.

“The underlisted persons have wide knowledge and experience in governance, public finance management, and social behavioral change communication,” the Speaker read from the Governor’s message.

The confirmation of Lady Oketa as Civil Service Commission Chair received broad commendation from lawmakers, including Chief Joseph Ununu (Deputy Leader), Chief Mrs. Chinyere Nwogbaga (Ebonyi North East), Hon. Victor Chidi Nwoke (Abakaliki North), and Barr. Aloysius Nwodo (Ebonyi North West). They described her as a “square peg in a square hole,” citing her track record in administrative leadership.

In a similar vein, the screening of EBSIEC nominees drew widespread praise from members including Chief Oluchukwu Ukie Ezeali (Afikpo East), Chief Godwin Abiri (Izzi West), Mrs. Esther Chidiebere Agwu (Ohaukwu North), Hon. Sunday Eze (Ishielu North), Hon. Ifeanyi Nwakpu (Ikwo North), Hon. Goodluck Obinna Mbam (Izzi East), Hon. Celestine Ifeanyi Ogba (Onicha East), Hon. Chikezie Igu (Ohaozara East), and Chief Onyebuchi Ogbadu (Ivo). The Deputy Chief Whip, Rt. Hon. Chukwu Arinze Lucas, also lent his voice in support of the appointees.

Speaker, Assembly Laud Governor’s Selections

Commending Governor Nwifuru’s judgment in nominating the individuals, the Speaker noted that the appointees’ backgrounds and testimonies from legislators demonstrated that the administration had chosen competently.

“When you look at the personalities before us, the testimonies of the Honourable Members will convince you that the Governor has made no mistake. It is our earnest desire and hope that you will not disappoint the State,” the Speaker stated.

He urged the nominees to justify the trust placed in them and contribute meaningfully to the progress of the state’s democratic and bureaucratic institutions.

Following the confirmations, the Clerk of the House, Mrs. Edene Uche Blessing, was directed to formally notify the Governor of the Assembly’s decision.

The plenary was subsequently adjourned, following a motion by the Chief Whip, Chief Nkemka Okoro Onuma, and seconded by Hon. Friday Ogbuewu (Ezza South).