Nigeria Content Online

Abia
State governor, Theodore Orji, yesterday oversaw the swearing-in of
Acho Nwakanma as his deputy governor, saying the action marked the
completion of the liberation of Abia State from the shackles of
undemocratic governance and the entrenchment of true democracy.

Speaking at the
swearing-in of Mr. Nwakanma in Umuahia on Wednesday at the Government
House, he said that unlike his predecessor, the new deputy governor was
nominated by himself and has been approved by the state legislature.

Mr. Orji explained
that the need for a new deputy governor arose from the impeachment of
Chris Akomas, adding that contrary to insinuations in some quarters,
his impeachment was not instigated by the executive.

“We have liberated
Abia from the shackles of undemocratic government. I stand to be held
accountable for the actions of Mr. Nwakanma because I nominated him
personally and the house endorsed him,” he declared.

The governor said
that normalcy has returned to the state, as those who were at war with
him have reconciled with him and are now working with his
administration.

In his acceptance
speech, Mr. Nwakanma pledged his total loyalty to the governor and Abia
State, adding that since he survived a more difficult administration he
would have no problem with the present one, which he said was more
democratic.

The new deputy
governor, who had earlier served as the deputy speaker of the state
House of Assembly and later the deputy governor during the last lap of
Orji Uzor Kalu, said he was familiar with the office of a
second-in-command and would give his total support to the governor.

Mr. Nwakanma is the sixth deputy governor the state since the creation of the state.