Merit, Not Origin or Politics, Guides Appointments — Otti
Governor of Alex Otti has reaffirmed that merit remains the overriding criterion for appointments in Abia State, stressing that competence and capacity to deliver — not place of origin or political affiliation — determine who serves in his administration.
The governor made this known on Saturday, April 25, during the wedding ceremony of his Aide-De-Camp (ADC), ASP Emeka Charles Ogbonna, and his bride, Trinity, held at the International Conference Centre in Umuahia.
Speaking at the event, Otti explained that his decision-making process for appointments is rooted in rigorous evaluation and performance. He disclosed that he interviewed seven candidates before selecting his ADC, noting that Ogbonna emerged the best purely on merit.
“I didn’t know where he came from at the time I appointed him. What gave him the job was merit,” the governor said, while also commending the cross-cultural union between the couple, with the bride hailing from Obudu in Cross River State.
Otti also addressed recent reactions surrounding the appointment of Dr. Ezinne Chinyere Benjamin-Kalu as Chairman of the Abia State University Teaching Hospital Management Board. According to him, the selection followed a thorough and competitive process in which the appointee clearly outperformed other candidates.
“The lady we chose not only came first, but the margin between her and the second candidate was very wide,” he said. “We are not concerned about political parties or state of origin. What matters is what she brings to the table, including her expertise and international connections.”
The governor emphasized that his administration remains open to all qualified individuals willing to contribute meaningfully to the state’s development.
“In Abia, we want results and performance. When it comes to governance, we are interested in what is in your brain, not where you come from,” he added.
Otti further noted that meritocracy has consistently guided key decisions of his government, including the appointment of permanent secretaries, the recruitment of 5,394 teachers, and the ongoing process to employ an additional 4,000 educators.
He reiterated that placing competent individuals in strategic positions is essential to improving governance and service delivery across the state.
The governor also congratulated the couple and offered prayers for a blessed and fruitful marriage, wishing them joy, children, and the resources to build a meaningful life together.
He equally acknowledged former Cross River State Governor, Donald Duke, for his hospitality towards the Abia delegation during the traditional marriage rites in Cross River State.
In his vote of thanks, the groom, Emeka Charles Ogbonna, expressed appreciation to the governor and guests for their presence and support.
The ceremony, chaired by retired DIG Azubuko Udah, was attended by top government officials, political figures, and business leaders.
