On Monday Dec. 23, 2013, the Delta state governor Emmanuel Uduaghan sworn-in 25 new permanent secretaries in Asaba. The appointments were necessitated by available vacancies in the state’s civil service, adding that the selection was based on merit. They include, including Mrs Edit Okowa, wife to Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa, representing Delta North in the senate, Mr Nduka Okonkwo and others.
 
According to governor Uduaghan, the position of permanent secretary was a career and political one, adding that it was meant for civil servants who distinguished themselves in service. He said some of them, especially those in the education sector, would be deployed to zones, to help government achieve success in its educational policies.

Uduaghan appealed to the appointees and commissioners in the state to ensure peace in their various ministries, and work in harmony in the interest of the state.