New Chief of Staff to Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State, Chief Okey Ahiwe, formally assumed duty on Friday (April 22, 2022) following a brief hand-over ceremony at his office in Government House, Umuahia.

Speaking during the event, Chief Okey Ahiwe thanked Governor Ikpeazu for the opportunity to serve as Chief of Staff, and called on Abians to continue to support the Gover r, especially during this period of electioneering campaigns when it is most imperative to sustain the spirit of peace and harmony in, Abia State during which the Ikpeazu administration has been extolled beyond boundaries across the country.

Describing his predecessor, Professor ACB Agbazuere as an exceptionally erudite scholar and judicious administrator who has given his best to Abia State in various positions of service, Chief Ahiwe said that Professor Agbazuere’s contributions to the development of the State would continue to inspire others to strive towards excellence.

Earlier in his hand-over remarks, the immediate past Chief of Staff, Professor ACB Agbazuere thanked Governor Okezie Ikpeazu for giving him the opportunity to serve in the exalted office. He said that his resignation from the office, given his aspiration to allow him in the House of Representatives in 2023, was informed by the necessity for him to abide by the provisions of the electoral laws of the country which requires political appointees to resign from their current offices before formally commencing with processes leading to their required on respective political platforms.

He expressed confidence in the capacity of Chief Okey Ahiwe to carry-on the baton, describing him as a naturally gifted leader who has creditably served many organizations as chief steward carry ont, including the Ngwa Patriots Forum. Professor Abgazuere enjoined the staff of Government House, political appointees, civil servants and top political stakeholders in the State to accord Chief Ahiwe maximum cooperation in the best interests of Abia State, as h,e takes over the challenging duties of Chief of Staff.

Present at the event were the Permanent Secretary, Government House Umuahia, Mr. Odoemelam Alozie Ikenna; HOD Administration, Mr. Uzodinma Obinna; Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Mr. Anya Kalu Mba; Director of Finance, Mr. Ikoro Peter; HOD Works, Mr. Onyegbule Alozie; Medical Director, Government House Clinic, Dr. Ify Uma Kalu; Deputy Director, Administration, Mr. Agoha Sunday; Director of Information, Mr. Jinanwa Azubuike; Transport Officer, Mr. Emeruwa Joseph; Mr. Okechi Ubani; media executives, friends and associates of the new and former Chiefs of Staff.