–At the swearing in ceremony in Government House Umuahia, Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu gives insight on why NBA member was appointed as new SSG by his administration.
By Sam Obinna Ibe
A new chapter in the life of ChrisEzem, legal luminary and politician of great repute, was opened Tuesday, June 11, 2019 in the Executive Chambers of Government House in Umuahia, Abia State. Ezem, from Amibo, Ubakala in Umuahia South Local Government of Abia,was sworn in as new Secretary to the State Government (SSG) in a historic ceremony presided over by Governor Okezie Ikpeazu.
He will be 50, December 24, 2019, vibrant at the peak of his youth, and endowed with commensurate wisdom. Ezem is no doubt well equipped now as SSG, to coordinate government business,as statutorily guaranteed, and at the behest of his principal, with immense candour and articulation, expected of an uncommon lawyer in public service which he has come to represent.
He was sworn in, exactly 14:45 hours amidst cheers and rousing ovation from his Ubakala people who accompanied their illustrious son to the epoch making event.The Solicitor General of the state and Permanent Secretary,Ministry of Justice, Barr Enyinnaya Okezie administered the oath of office and oath of allegiance to the newly appointed SSG. This was followed by the signing of letter of appointment by the new SSG..
In his speech at the occasion, Governor Ikpeazu gave insight on how Ezem emerged new SSG. He explained that the new SSG was chosen after a painstaking search and study of his record in the various offices Ezem held in the past showed that Ezem would be a fit and proper person for the position. Governor Ikpeazu therefore commended the new SSG and tasked him to justify the confidence reposed on him for the appointment.
The Governor charged him to be a worthy ambassador of the state in places he will go and to people he will come in contact with in the course of discharge of this onerous task. Ikpeazu stated that he is aware that the responsibilities before Ezem will be challenging, but that he is confident the new SSG will rise to the occasion. He urged Ezem not to disappoint Abia people. He also urged Abia people to give him the needed cooperation to excel.
In his response, Chris Ezem,the new SSG promised to live up to the expectation of government and people of the state.He assured the governor that he will not depart from the kind of person he is known for and would strive to do his very best. He also promised to add value to the policies and programmes of the state government.
Among dignitaries that witnessed the swearing in ceremony were: Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice,Barrister Uche Ihediwa; the Head of Service,Sir Onyi Wamah; former Speaker,Abia House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Christopher Enweremadu; former National Chairman of the People’s Democratic party, PDP, Prince Vincent Ogbulafor, and pioneer Chairman of PDP in the state, Chief Tony Ukasoanya. Traditional rulers from Umuahia South where the new SSG hails from were also in attendance.
Barrister Chris Ezem was born on the 24th day of December, 1969, to the family of late Chief Mathew Anyanwu Ezem and Mrs. Christiana Ezem. His quest for formal education started at St. Lukes Model School(primary)Adankolo, Lokoja, Kogi State, between 1975 – 1980 . He graduated and moved on to a secondary school at Crowder Memorial College, Lokoja, Kogi State between 1980 – 1986 where he came out in flying colours. He thereafter proceeded to Federal School of Arts and Science, Suleja, Niger State from 1986 -1988 for Higher School Certificate (HSC).
Quest for further knowledge saw him attending the University of Lagos, 1989 – 1992 for his First Degree (LLB) in Law in 1992. He thereafter attended the Nigerian Law School between 1992 and 1993 where he obtained his BL Certificate and was called to the Nigeria Bar in 1993.
Barrister Chris Ezem had his 1 year compulsory National Youth Service in Lagos, 1993 – 1994 with the Federal Ministry of Justice. Soon after, he joined the law firm of P. G. U. Madu & Associates, 1994 – 1996 from where he proceeded to set up his own private practice, Ezem Chris & Associates, a firm of Legal Practitioners in 1996.
His love for Education made him return to University of Lagos, 1997 – 1998, for his Master Programme in Law (LL.M). He is a member of the Nigerian Bar Association.
