New CM convenes first cabinet sitting on February 23
Chizokho Vero
Kohima | February 22
81 year old Dr Shürhozelie Liezietsu was sworn in today as the 17th Chief Minister of Nagaland State, along with 11 Cabinet Ministers.
The oath was administered to Dr. Liezietsu and other 11 Cabinet Ministers by Nagaland Governor, PB Acharya at Raj Bhavan in the presence of outgoing Chief Minister, TR Zeliang; MP Rajya Sabha, KG Kenye, legislators and NGO leaders.
Later, in a separate function at the State Banquet Hall, the Chief Minister administered oath to 24 Parliamentary Secretaries, followed by induction of six Advisors to the Chief Minister’s Office.
New faces in the cabinet include Chotisuh Sazo, Imkong L Imchen and G Kaito Aye.
Later, addressing the party leaders at the State Banquet Hall, Shurhozelie said that one of the priorities of the government is to create a public platform to debate on important points for complete understanding of ULB elections vis-a- vis Article 371A. He said the government would give opportunity to the public to speak their minds.
The CM further asked cabinet ministers to gather at his residence by 9:00 am on February 23 so that they reach the Nagaland Civil Secretariat by 9:30 am. He informed there will be a short prayer session and the first cabinet sitting on February 23. Meeting with bureaucrats have also been scheduled on the same day.
“We have lost so many working days. It is time to work double to recover those lost,” Shurhozelie said, while urging legislators to work hard and regain the trust. “Together we can do it. Together we can overcome,” he stated.
He also challenged the Cabinet Ministers to put their heads together and work together for the same goal. Stating that forgiveness is a virtue one should not miss, the CM emphasized that “forgiveness is the essence of peace to the society.”
“Without peace and stability there will be no development,” he said adding that infighting is harmful to both the legislators and the people.
Also stating that it is not possible to accommodate all legislators in the ministry, he said the government has too many works to be done. “I am prepared to utilize each and every one of you in the service of the people,” he added. The CM called for the building of trust and to work as a team till “our goal is achieved.”
Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu hails from L. Khel, Kohima village. He was elected to the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) eight times, the first in 1969 elections from Northern Angami-I Assembly Constituency. Liezietsu is not a member of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly and will face elections within six months from taking office.
CHIEF MINISTER
Shürhozelie Liezietsu
CABINET MINISTERS
1. Kiyanilie Peseyie
2. Yanthungo Patton
3. P Longon
4. C Kipili Sangtam
5. CL John 6. Yitachu
7. Paiwang Konyak
8. Vikheho Swu
9. Chotisu Sazo
10. Imkong L Imchen
11. G Kaito Aye
PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARIES
1. Kejong Chang
2. C. Apok Jamir
3. Deo Nukhu
4. R Tohanba
5. Khriehu Liezietsu
6. Dr. Benjongliba Aier
7. EE Pangteang
8. BS Nganlang
9. Shetoyi
10. L Khumo
11. Er Levi Rengma
12. Er Picto Shohe
13. N Jacob Zhimomi
14. Pukhayi
15. Amenba Yaden
16. Y.M. Yolow
17. Toyang Chankong Chang
18. S Chuba Longkumer
19. Hukavi Zhimomi
20. Eshak Konyak
21. Khekaho Assumi
22. Er Vikho-o Yhoshü
23. T Torechu
24. Tovihoto Ayemi
ADVISORS
1. N Thongwang
2. SI Jamir
3. lmtilemba Sangtam
4. Naiba Konyak
5. Dr TM Lotha
6. Kuzholuzo Azo Nienu
