ASMATA: Appointment Not for Intimidation or Extortion…Abia Commissioner, Ukaegbu, Warns.

The Honourable Commissioner for Trade, Commerce and Industry, Dr.Chimezie Isaac Ukaegbu has disclosed that the Government is bent on making things work and would choose people of capacity who can deliver.

Dr. Chimezie stated this during the Inauguration of the Abia State Amalgamated Market Traders Association (ASMATA) in his Office. He stressed that the executives should consider themselves highly privileged to be chosen. He reminded them that they have not been chosen to intimidate or extort money but to serve, stating that if they want to cut corners they will be eased out.

The Honourable Commissioner added that they have been called to serve, to make things easy for the state and not themselves. He revealed that the state values ASMATA because it is a highly elated office and further added that the Ministry would always support them and back them as long as they are on the right track.

In his speech, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Internally Generated Revenue Chief Chimereze Okigbo stated that the state is focused on increasing internally generated revenue. He thanked the ASMATA Executives for accepting to work for the State, adding that if Abia becomes better, Investors would flow into the state. He revealed that the Government is focused on making more Industries functional to increase revenue.

The Special Adviser reiterated that It is not an opportunity to extort money for personal gain but to work for the Government, stating that their loyalty lies with the government. He advised the executives to learn to manage situations in markets and control them, avoiding all illegal revenue collection and dealings. He urged the executive to help in refining the Government, especially in revenue collection and sanitizing the system. He reminded them that their position is not permanent and would be taken away if they failed to live up to expectations. He prayed that their tenure would be the best of the best.

Also Speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Trade, Commerce and Industry, Lolo Magdalene Onwu Kalu who congratulated the executives , read out the terms of office to the ASMATA executives which include: complying with Government policies in line with their office, liaising with the Ministry of Trade Commerce and Industry to manage situations, resisting the imposition of illegal levies in Markets, Proper accountability and smooth running of Markets, amongst others.

The Ministry’s legal practitioner Barr, Chioma administered the oath of office to the ASMATA Executives the they affirmed to be faithful and impartial in discharging their duties to the best of their abilities in accordance with the constitution and the State Government’s constitution, by-laws, and ethical principles, with integrity and transparency.

In his acceptance speech the President Abia State Amalgamated Market Traders Association, (ASMATA) Chief Alphonsus Udeigbo thanked the state government for the opportunity to serve. He stated that they accepted the task given to them. and will represent the Government in the various markets and serve diligently.

In attendance were the Special Adviser to the Governor on Trade, Commerce and Industry, Chief Nwaka Inem, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Magdalene Ugoanusi, Special Adviser on Vulnerable Groups and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Ifeoma Thomas, Director of Commerce, Mrs. Christiana Mbadiwe, Director of Administration Mr. Ngozioha Damien Nkem and a host of Market Stakeholders.

By: Meregını Lucky J., Treasure Oyinna. E,

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