Gov. Samuel Ortom of Benue, has advised political appointees in the state against stealing of public funds.
Ortom gave the advice on Thursday when he swore in eight new Commissioners and five Special Advisers in Makurdi.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the commissioners were Dr Kester Kyenge, Mr Jude Ungwa, Mr Williams Agbatar, Mr Michael Inalegwu, Mr Agber Aernan, Dr Jane Aja, Dr Sarwuan Tarnongo and Mr Teryima Nguher.
The Special Advisers were Mr Michael Adyo, Mr Richard Ujege, Mr Aondoaver Ade-Nguhar, Mr Joshua Ogbole and Otokpa Otse.
“I urge you to shun every temptation to convert public funds into private pockets as this is unacceptable to us and against public fiscal responsibility.
“I also urge family members, friends and associates to refrain from mounting undue financial and other pressures that would distract the new and other appointees from serving the state well,’’ Ortom said.
He congratulated them for the appointment, saying that their selection from among other eminently qualified Benue people offered them the unique opportunity to make contributions to the development of the state.
“These new appointment became necessary following the resignation of many commissioners who are seeking elective positions while others left as a result of a minor cabinet reshuffle.
“The reconstitution of the State Executive Council provided an opportunity to inject new blood in our efforts to quicken the pace of service delivery that will enable us finish strong because better is the end of a matter than its beginning,’’ he said.
He urged them to bring their wealth of experience to bear on their collective determination to respond to the challenges and expectations of the state.
Responding on behalf of their colleagues, Kyenge and Ujege thanked the governor for finding them worthy of the appointment.(NAN)