ADDIS ABABA – Parliament yesterday endorsed the appointments of former Chief Administrators of Oromia and Amhara States Lemma Megerssa and Gedu Andargachew as Defense and Foreign Ministries respectively. Eng. Aisha Mohammed returned to her previous duty to be Minister of Urban Development and Construction.
The new appointees nominated by Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed were endorsed by the House of People’s Representatives in majority votes, five abstentions and one opposition.
Lemma Megerssa and Gedu Andargachew have previously served at various capacities in their respective states including as State Chief Administrators.
Gedu replaces Former Foreign Minister Dr.Workneh Gebeyhu who has recently been appointed as Head of the United Nations Office in
Nairobi. It is to be recalled that Gedu was also succeeded by Dr. Ambachew Mekonnen as Amhara State President.
Lemma replaced Eng. Aisha, who served as Minister of Defense and re- appointed as Minister of Urban Development and Construction.
Asked why the new appointments was needed and cabinet reshuffle is frequent, Government whip Chala Lemi said the intention is to sustain the reform and change as the new appointees are qualified and experienced to discharge their new duties effectively.
This is the 3rd time the cabinet saw reshuffling since Prime Minister Dr. Abiy took power.
The Ethiopian Herald April 19, 2019
BY DESTA GEBREHIWOT
