Abia State governor, Dr Alex Otti, has once again demonstrated his preference for merit over primordial sentiments by appointing an Edo State indigene, Mr. Benson Ojeikere, as the new Head of Service (HoS).
The appointment was made ahead of the exit of the current HoS, Dr Queen Obioma, who will formally bow out on December 31, 2024.
Ojeikere had served as Permanent Secretary, Government House, before his elevation as the number one civil servant in Abia State.
This will be the first time in the state, and probably in the entire country, a non-indigene would be appointed Head of Service.
Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Kenneth Kalu, in a statement on Monday, said the appointment of the new HoS was based on merit.
The statement read: “Following the conclusion of a rigorous merit-based selection process, His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti has approved the appointment of Mr. Benson Ojeikere as the New Head of Service for Abia State Civil Service. This appointment takes effect from December 31, 2024.
“While congratulating Mr. Benson Ojeikere, on his appointment, His Excellency equally appreciates the immense contributions of the outgoing Head of Service, Dr. Ngozi Queen Obioma, who is proceeding on statutory retirement.”