Governor Chukwuma Soludo has named Mrs Esther Chinyere Onyekesi as Commissioner for Women Affairs. She is the mother of Martin Onyekesi, the businessman murdered by kidnappers last year.
Late Onyekesi, known as "Fish Magnet," was abducted from his home. His body was found dumped in Awka before his family could pay any ransom.
His killing sparked widespread outrage. Popular activist Martin Vincent Otse, known as Very Dark Man, led protests demanding justice.
Some political candidates tried to exploit the tragedy for electoral gain. Mrs Onyekesi, who served as Women Leader of the All Progressives Grand Alliance in Anambra, refused to politicize her son's death.
Her appointment comes as Soludo forwarded 18 commissioner nominees to the state House of Assembly. Only four are returning commissioners from the previous administration.
Dr. Ben Chuks Odoemena gets Agriculture.
Chukwukadibia Okoye heads Budget and Economic Planning.
Culture, Entertainment and Tourism goes to Udoji Amedu. Dr.
Ekene Ogugua takes Education.
Dr. Clem Aguiyi oversees Environment.
Izuchukwu M. Okafor leads Finance.
Health is assigned to Dr. Afam Obidike.
Dr. Law Mefor handles Information and Value Reformation.
Barr. Tobechukwu Nweke, SAN, becomes Justice and Attorney-General.
Prof. Offornze Amucheazi, SAN, manages Lands.
Barr. Vin Ezeaka leads Local Government and Community Affairs.
Prof. Charles Ofoegbu oversees Petroleum and Mineral Resources.
Barr. Chijioke Oseloka Ojukwu gets Physical Planning and Urban Development.
Engr. Casmir Chinenye Agummadu heads Power.
Arc. Okey Ezeobi manages Works and Infrastructure.
Hon. Eddy Ibuzo takes Transport.
Mr. Patrick Agha, MBA, leads Youth Development and Sports.
Speaker Somtochukwu Nkem Udeze received the nominees during Tuesday's plenary session.
Franklin Osankwa, who coordinates media matters for the Speaker's office, made the announcement. Screening of the nominees is expected to begin soon.
