Otti Sets Record on National Integration, Appoints Edo State Indigene Abia Head of Service

Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia

Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has named Mr. Benson Ojeikere as Abia Head of Service (HoS) setting a new record of appointing a non-indigene to the highest rank in the state civil service.

Ojeikere hails from Edo State but has been working in Abia civil service where he rose to the rank of Permanent Secretary and has now ascended further to become the HoS.

His appointment was contained in a statement issued December 23, 2024 by the Secretary to the Abia State Government(SSG), Professor Kenneth Kalu.

He said that Ojeikere got the topmost job in Abia Civil Service “following the conclusion of a rigorous merit-based selection process”.

According to the SSG, Governor Otti has approved the appointment of the new HoS, adding that “this appointment takes effect from December 31, 2024”.

The position of HoS became vacant after Dr. Ngozi Queen Obioma became due for retirement after occupying the office since December 1, 2023.

“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,” the SSG said.

The appointment of Ojeikere to the position of HoS did not come as a surprise going by Otti’s position on the contentious and divisive national problem of indigene and non-indigene dichotomy.

The Abia governor had since the inception of his administration made it clear that he has no stomach for discrimination, saying that any person living in Abia is entitled to enjoy every privilege.

According to him, it makes no sense to discriminate against anybody staying in the state and making a living and paying taxes to the state government.