Inos sworn in as lt. governor

CNMI history was made yesterday, as Eloy Inos became the Commonwealth’s first appointed lieutenant governor.

The Senate unanimously confirmed Inos as the Northern Marianas’ second-in-command at a special session attended by community members and many past and present government officials.

Less than an hour later, Gov. Benigno R. Fitial swore in Inos at the Office of the Governor’s conference room in the presence of Inos’ family members and acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for the U.S. Interior’s Office of Insular Affairs Nikolau Pula.

More than 50 people watched as the nine Senate members cast their votes in support of Inos, who, until yesterday, held the position of Finance Secretary.

Gov. Benigno Fitial appointed Inos to the position on Monday. Under the Constitution, the Senate was required to confirm the appointment.

The position of lieutenant governor became vacant this week when Timothy P. Villagomez resigned from the office last Saturday, after he was found guilty of charges relating to a scheme to defraud the Commonwealth Utilities Corp.

In his statement before the Senate, Inos said the process of appointing and confirming him as lieutenant governor demonstrates that self-government works.

“We can quickly fill this constitutional void,” he said. “Our democracy works. Our Constitution works. We are a community of laws and those laws will be honored and respected,” he said.

After his confirmation, Inos, who is running as lieutenant governor with Fitial in November’s election, said the event was a major milestone and a difficult situation, but “I’m willing to work.”

Many past and present legislators showed their support for Inos’ confirmation during the public comment portion of the hearing. All who spoke supported his confirmation.

Former House Speaker Pedro R. Guerrero said he worked with Inos during the 702 and 902 Covenant negotiations and Inos helped bring in millions of dollars to the CNMI.

Rep. Oscar Babauta also recounted his time working with Inos during the Trust Territory period. He asked Senate members to confirm the former Finance secretary as a way for the Commonwealth to move forward.

“The community needs to move forward. We are in a predicament that needs the guidance of Mr. Inos,” he said.

Sen. Maria Pangelinan, in her remarks to Inos, said she hopes the new lieutenant governor will focus on filling the position of Attorney General, noting that the Office of the Attorney General has had an acting AG for the last eight months.

“I really believe that office needs leadership,” she said, adding that that is a concern of hers and the public.

Like the position of lieutenant governor, the position of Attorney General is mandated by the Constitution to be filled, she added.

Also, Sen. Jude Hofschneider asked Inos to continue the dialogue with the Retirement Fund, which has been at odds with the Fitial administration over unpaid employer contributions.

Not only is Inos’ confirmation historical as he is the first appointed lieutenant governor, but also because all political parties are showing their support for him, Senate President Pete Reyes noted.

“Never have I seen such enormous support for the present position of Mr. Inos,” the Senate president said.

Fitial echoed this statement, saying he is proud the community came out to show their support.

Robert Schrack, previously the special assistant to the Finance Secretary, is now acting Finance Secretary.