Sullivan Chime, the governor of Enugu State on Monday inaugurated Reverend Raphael Ifeanyichukwu Nwoye, as his new deputy, saying his administration has replaced a faulty part.
The new deputy is replacing Mr. Sunday Onyebuchi, recently impeached on allegations of gross misconduct by the Enugu State House of Assembly.
In a brief remark after Nwoye had been administered with the Oath of Office by the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Innocent Umezurike, at the Government House, Chime likened his administration to a vehicle which had just been repaired.
He said, “Drawing the analogy of a broken down vehicle, we have just replaced a bad spark plug, the vehicle is repaired and journey will be smooth again.”
He also noted that Onyebuchi’s impeachment was for the good of the state.
Referring to the development, he said, “I believe that what happened is in the best interest of Enugu State and not only government.”
He expressed confidence in the new deputy governor’s ability to discharge his responsibilities effectively in line with the demands of the office, noting that both of them served as commissioners in the administration of a former governor of the state, Chimaroke Nnamani.
Chime urged the deputy governor to serve with due diligence and cooperate with the government as well as the Peoples Democratic Party in the state.
In his response, the new deputy governor expressed gratitude to God and to Chime for the opportunity.
He also pledged his support and loyalty to Chime, as well as his commitment to the policies of the administration.
Nwoye is the Bishop of the Ugwuaji Awkunanaw, Enugu District of the Christ Ascension Church, which was founded and headed by his father, Apostle Professor O. N. Godwin.
He had earlier served in government as commissioner for environment and later caretaker chairman of Nkanu East Local Council.
He hails from the same community – Isiogbo Nara, Nkanu East Local Government Area – as his predecessor Onyebuchi.
He is also the Prescient General of the Isiogbo Nara town union.