The Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, on Sunday, in Abakaliki approved the appointment of Prof Michael Awoke as the substantive Vice Chancellor of the Ebonyi State University.

The announcement of the new VC is contained in a press statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Dr Monday Uzor, and made available to newsmen in Abakaliki.

The statement said that the approval of Awoke followed the recommendations of the Governing Council of the University.

Awoke, before his appointment, was a Professor of Agricultural Economics and a former Vice Chancellor of academics at the EBSU.

Awoke is taking over from Prof. Chigozie Ogbu who was proceeding on retirement after completion of his tenure.

Also appointed are Prof. Ike Ogba, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academics, and Prof. Michael Ajanwachuku as Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration.

Other appointees are Mrs Ugochinyere Mba-Uka, Registrar; Mrs Roseline Nwuzor, Bursar and Mrs Victoria Nwalli, Librarian.

“The Governor who announced the appointments shortly after a church service at the Government House Chapel, said the newly appointed principal officers will be sworn- in on Tuesday, Feb. 11,” the statement read.

Nwifuru also recalled four commissioners and the Executive Secretary of the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency who were suspended last November.

“The governor recalled some suspended commissioners: Dr Moses Ekuma, Health; Mr Chinedum Nkah, Water Resources; Mr Francis Orie, Housing; and that of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Mr Uchenna Igwe,” the statement added.

On the recent killings at Amegu Nkalaha community, the governor disclosed that the preliminary investigation by security agencies showed the dastardly act was perpetrated by some criminal elements from the community and not herdsmen as alleged.

He warned contractors handling government projects to ensure speedy execution or face the wrath of the government.