Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to merit-based appointments, insisting that political affiliation and state of origin are not factors in selecting public officials.
Speaking at the International Conference Centre in Umuahia on Saturday during the wedding ceremony of his Aide-de-Camp, Emeka Ogbonna, Otti said competence and capacity remain the primary considerations.
“What gave him the job is merit. At the time I decided to give him the job, I didn’t know where he came from,” the governor explained.
Otti stressed that his administration prioritises results over identity.
“We don’t care whether she’s APC or PDP or YPP or whatever. Those are not important. We don’t even care whether she’s from Abia or from Delta or from anywhere. We are interested in what is in her brain,” he said.
He cited the appointment of Dr. Ezinne Benjamin-Kalu as Chairman of the Abia State University Teaching Hospital Management Board, noting that her selection followed a rigorous interview process.
“The lady that we chose did not only come first, but the difference between her and the person that came second was so wide,” Otti added.
Expanding Opportunities In Abia
The governor said the merit-based approach applies across all appointments, including the recruitment of over 5,000 teachers and ongoing plans to hire an additional 4,000.
“So, in Abia here, we are open to anybody. Just come with what is inside your brain. We don’t want to know where you come from. We don’t want to know your political affiliation. We want results. We want performance,” he said.
Otti maintained that appointing qualified individuals is key to effective governance and service delivery in the state.
Do you believe Dr Ezinne’s appointment is purely based on merit, as the governor claims, or a political masterstroke to whittle down the fervency of his political rivals?
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