Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has announced the appointment of Dr. Emmanuel Meribole as the acting Secretary to the State Government (SSG). This strategic move comes just days after the previous SSG, Professor Kenneth Kalu, began his official Leave of Absence.
The appointment was officially communicated on Friday morning, the 12th of December, 2025, through a statement released by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ukoha Njoku Ukoha.
Dr. Meribole, who currently serves the administration as the Special Adviser to the Governor on Projects, will transition to his new role as acting SSG, which is to start on the 1st of January, 2026.
The official statement also outlined the immediate steps being taken to ensure stability during the change in leadership: “To ensure a seamless transition, the handover process will commence on Monday, December 15, 2025.”
READ ALSO: Alex Otti Calls for Bold Energy Reforms at NEITI Summit in Umuahia
“During this transition period, Professor Kenneth Kalu will work closely with Dr. Meribole to ensure the continuity of government operations and the smooth execution of the administration’s policies and programs.”
Dr. Meribole brings a wealth of experience to the position. A medical doctor by training, he is a seasoned public servant who previously retired from the civil service as the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development.