The governor of Ebonyi state, Engr. David Umahi and his deputy, Dr. Kelechi Igwe were on Wednesday sworn-in for a second term in office.
The event took place at Pa Ngele Township stadium, Abakiliki under tight security and witnessed by large turn-out of residents and guests.
Daily Trust reports that Umahi had yesterday dissolved the state executive council and sacked his principal secretaries after he had held a valedictory session and dinner with them.
He however retained Rev. Father Abraham Nwali to continue as the Special Assistant to the governor on Religion and Welfare Matters.
Speaking, on the theme: ‘On the part of Divine Mandate: Stepping into the Second Half,’ Governor Umahi promised to advance the economy of the state using agriculture and mineral resources that abound in the state.
“The pillars of our strategy shall be thrust of our development strategy is the creation of a self-reliant, sustainable economy that could thrive with or without allocation from the federation account
“And our focus shall be in the area of agriculture, harnessing and beneficiation of various mineral resources in the state. Accelerate rural development, consolidating the transformation of the civil service as an enabler of private sector-led development. And remaining firm in our intolerance of greed and corruption”, he said.
Umahi also announced the relocation of two popular markets; Abakpa Main Market to Margret Umahi market while that of the building materials was not disclosed yet.