Abia State Governor Alex Otti has reiterated that his administration prioritises merit in making appointments, stressing that neither political ties nor state of origin influence his decisions.
The governor made this known during the wedding ceremony of his Aide-de-Camp, Emeka Ogbonna, held on Saturday at the International Conference Centre in Umuahia. His remarks were contained in a statement issued on Sunday by his Chief Press Secretary, Ukoha Njoku.
Otti emphasised that competence and ability remain the central criteria for selecting public officials, noting that his ADC earned the position purely on merit.
“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,” Otti said.
He further underscored his administration’s indifference to political affiliations and background in appointments.
“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.”
Explaining the appointment of Dr. Ezinne Benjamin-Kalu as Chairman of the Abia State University Teaching Hospital Management Board, the governor said the decision followed a thorough selection process involving seven candidates.
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“The lady that we chose did not only come first, but the difference between her and the person that came second was so wide,” he said.
Otti maintained that his government is focused on performance-driven leadership, insisting that results take precedence over identity.
“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 added.
He added that this merit-based approach extends to broader recruitment efforts, including the employment of over 5,000 teachers, with plans underway to hire an additional 4,000.
The governor concluded that engaging capable individuals remains essential to delivering effective governance and improving public service in the state.