Enugu Governor, Chime swears in new Deputy Gov. . . 'We have just replaced a bad spark plug'

Enugu State Governor, Sullivan Chime, Monday, swore in his new Deputy, Reverend Raphael Ifeanyichukwu Nwoye.

The event which took place at the EXCO Chambers of the Government House, Enugu came on the heels of the impeachment a week ago, of the former occupant of the position, Mr. Sunday Onyebuchi by the State House of Assembly.



Reverend Nwoye was cleared last Thursday by the House. His oath of office was administered by the Chief Judge of the State, Justice Innocent Umezurike.

In his speech at the ceremony, Chime congratulated the new Deputy Governor saying that with his coming on board, the machinery of government will continue to run smoothly.

The Governor 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 said the new Deputy Governor was not new to him as both had served together as Commissioners in the previous administration adding that he was sure that Rev Nwoye would bring his experience and background “not just as a Minister of God but as a fine gentleman”, to bear in the discharge of his duties.

Impeached: Sunday Onyebuchi 

On the circumstances that brought about the advent of his new Deputy, Chime said, “what has happened, I believe , it happened in the best interest of Enugu State and not only government”.
He enjoined the Deputy Governor to serve with due diligence and cooperation with the government as well as the ruling People’s Democratic Party in the state.

In his response, the new Deputy Governor, expressed gratitude to God and to Governor Chime for the opportunity to serve in his new capacity.

He lauded the vision and good works of the Governor and pledged his unalloyed support and commitment to ensure that Enugu people continued to enjoy the benefits of good governance being delivered by the Chime administration.

The new Deputy Governor was serving as the Bishop in charge of the Ugwuaji Awkunanaw, Enugu District of the Christ Ascension Church. His father, Apostle Professor Godwin Nwoye is the founder and head of the church.

Rev. Nwoye had earlier served in government as Commissioner for Environment and later, Caretaker Chairman of Nkanu East Local Council under Dr Chimaroke Nnamani administration.

He hails from the same community, Isiogbo Nara, Nkanu East Local Government Area, as his predecessor, Mr Onyebuchi. He is also the President General of the Isiogbo Nara town union.

The event was witnessed by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Eugene Odo, and other top government officials.