Akwa-Ibom appoints Valerie Ebe Deputy Governor

The Akwa Ibom Chief Judge, Justice Idongesit Ntem-Isua, in Uyo, on Saturday swore in, Mrs.Valerie Ebe, as the first female Deputy Governor of the state.

Ebe took over from the former Deputy Governor, Mr. Nsima Ekere, who resigned his appointment on October 31.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Ebe’s nomination was confirmed by the Akwa Ibom House of Assembly on November 2, based on the letter sent to the house by Governor Godswill Akpabio.

Akpabio said, “Although gender was not a consideration in the appointment, a section of the public would definitely see her as being at the vanguard of our faith for more women participation in government.

“By her appointment, we now have a triumvirate of women in key positions like the Chief Judge, Head of Civil Service and one Deputy Governor.

“Akwa Ibom is definitely leading the revolution in gender equality in the country,’’ he said.

He further remarked that the swearing-in of Ebe as the new deputy governor was historic because she was the first woman in the 25-year history of the state to occupy such a position. (Culled: Punch)