Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra has forwarded the first batch of commissioner nominees to the Anambra State House of Assembly for screening and confirmation.
The development was confirmed in a statement issued by Franklin Osankwa, Special Adviser on New Media to the Speaker of the Assembly, Somtochukwu Udeze on Tuesday.
According to the statement, the list was presented during plenary and formally received by the Speaker, who subsequently referred it to the Committee on Screening and Election Matters for legislative consideration.
The Assembly is expected to commence screening of the nominees immediately, after which successful candidates would be confirmed for appointment into the State Executive Council.
The list contained 18 nominees, made up of 17 men and one woman, covering key ministries and sectors of governance.
Among the nominees are Dr. Ben Chuks Odoemena for Agriculture; Mr. Chukwukadibia Okoye for Budget and Economic Planning; and Mr. Udoji Amedu for Culture, Entertainment and Tourism.
Others include Dr. Ekene Ogugua for Education; Dr. Clem Aguiyi for Environment; and Mr. Izuchukwu M. Okafor for Finance.
Dr. Afam Obidike was nominated for Health, while Dr. Law Mefor is slated for Information and Value Reformation.
For the justice sector, Barrister Tobechukwu Nweke (SAN) was nominated as Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice.
Professor Offornze Amucheazi (SAN) was named for Lands, while Barr. Vin Ezeaka was nominated for Local Government and Community Affairs.
Other nominees include Professor Charles Ofoegbu for Petroleum and Mineral Resources; Barr. Chijioke Oseloka Ojukwu for Physical Planning and Urban Development; and Engr. Casmir Chinenye Agummadu for Power.
Arc. Okey Ezeobi was nominated for Works and Infrastructure, while Hon. Eddy Ibuzo will handle Transport.
For social sectors, Mrs. Esther Chinyere Onyekesi was nominated for Women Affairs and Social Development, while Mr. Patrick Agha will oversee Youth Development and Sports.
The Assembly is expected to begin screening sessions in the coming days as part of the formal process to constitute the state executive council under Soludo’s administration.
