Akwa Ibom Governor, Udom Emmanuel has urged Permanent Secretaries and heads of the various government agencies in the state to ensure a seamless transition to the incoming administration.
Giving the advice during the swearing in of Mrs Nsikak-Abasi Orok as the new Clerk for the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Emmanuel called for their support in the smooth running of the state government machinery.
Until her new appointment, Mrs Orok was the Secretary, Akwa Ibom Christian Welfare Pilgrim Board.
Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony of the clerk at the State Exco Chambers, Uyo, on Friday, the Governor congratulated the clerk on her appointment, and urged her to bring her wealth of experience to bear in her new assignment.
He explained that her appointment followed the retirement of the former Clerk, Mrs. Mandu Umoren.
Before her retirement, Mrs Umoren had served in that position for more than 10 years.
The Governor extolled the meritorious service of the out-gone Clerk, and tasked the incoming to replicate the good records she has made so far in the service of the state in her new appointment and work hard enough to surpass her predecessor’s performance.
“Today I want to really thank the immediate past clerk of the State House of Assembly for being exceptionally professional.
“She was a woman of high capacity and integrity.
“She did so well, unfortunately whatsoever has a beginning must have an end.
“I want to believe that Mrs Orok will also build on what she has done and improve on it and judging from how you performed in the Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board I want to believe you will do much better”, the Governor said.
Recounting the various economic challenges recorded in recent past, Governor Emmanuel asserted that his administration worked hard to weather the storms and will be leaving the state better than he met it.
He reaffirmed his confidence in his successor’s capabilities to do even better.
He tasked the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, faithful occupying various positions in the government to keep the party’s flag flying and handover in good condition as was handed to them.
“For those serving please serve well so that we build a strong state, I want to assure you that I am leaving Akwa Ibom better than how I met it and the next person will leave it better than I handed over to him.
“I am leaving you with a full umbrella not a torn umbrella. Make sure that this umbrella is not torn,” Emmanuel stated.
In an interaction with Government House correspondents after the ceremony, Mrs. Orok thanked the governor for giving her the opportunity to serve the state in a higher capacity.
She pledged her readiness to render the services required of her in the new office to the best of her ability.
