Abia State Governor Alex Otti broke the previous record by choosing a non-indigenous person to the highest position in the state civil service when he appointed Mr. Benson Ojeikere as Abia Head of Service (HoS).
Although Ojeikere is from Edo State, he has been employed in the Abia civil service, where he has advanced to the position of Permanent Secretary and is currently the HoS. Professor Kenneth Kalu, the Secretary to the Abia State Government (SSG), announced his appointment in a statement on December 23, 2024.
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.
Given Otti’s stance on the controversial and polarizing national issue of the indigene and non-indigene dichotomy, Ojeikere’s appointment as HoS was not surprising.
The governor of Abia had stated from the beginning of his administration that he could not tolerate discrimination, claiming that everyone residing in the state should be allowed to enjoy all privileges and that it was absurd to discriminate against anyone who chose to remain in the state, earn a living, and pay taxes to the state government.
