Governor Otti: Our Appointments Are Based on Track Record, Not Apprenticeship
Governor Alex Otti reaffirms that appointments in Abia State are based on merit and proven track record, not political favors, during the 60th birthday celebration of Sports Commissioner Sir Nwaobilor Nwadimma Ananaba in Umuahia.
Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has reaffirmed that appointments into his administration are strictly based on competence, merit, and proven track records, not political patronage or favoritism.
The Governor made the declaration on Friday, October 10, during the 60th birthday celebration of Sir Nwaobilor Nwadimma Ananaba, the Abia State Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, held at the New Eastern Comfort Hotel, Umuahia.
Governor Otti, while addressing guests, stated that his government is built on a foundation of excellence and performance, emphasizing that public office is not a place for on-the-job training.
“This is a government that relies on track record. There are those who think government is a place for apprenticeship or where you come to learn work. You don’t learn work with our government. If you don’t know the job, you can’t be here. We will tell you to go and learn it first. There must be a track record,” the Governor said.
He added that every appointment made under his leadership is based on the appointee’s ability to deliver results, not as a reward or favor.
“When we make appointments, we don’t do it as a favour. We give people positions they can deliver on. If you didn’t merit it, we will never give you the position, and we don’t care whose ox is gored. If you merit it, no matter who you are, you will get it,” he emphasized.
Governor Otti commended Sir Ananaba for his dedication to youth and sports development in the state, describing him as one of the examples of Abia’s new standard of governance anchored on merit and competence.
He also praised the Commissioner’s contributions and reminded him that “the reward for good work is more work.”
“Thank you for the great job you have done before now, which gave you the opportunity to even be considered in the first place,” Otti said.
The Governor congratulated Sir Ananaba on turning 60, praying for long life, strength, and continued impact. “You have seen 60, you will see 70, you will see 80, 90, and if the Lord tarries, you will also see 100,” he added, to a loud “Amen” from the audience.
In his remarks, the celebrant, Sir Nwaobilor Nwadimma Ananaba, expressed deep gratitude to Governor Otti for attending the event and for giving him the opportunity to serve in the administration that has transformed Abia State’s image. He thanked his family, friends, and colleagues for celebrating with him, and prayed for continued peace and progress in the state.
The ceremony featured goodwill messages, testimonials about the celebrant’s life of service, and the cutting of the birthday cake.
Among dignitaries in attendance were the Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Austin Okezie Nmeregini, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Kenneth Kalu, the Head of Service, Mr. Benson Ojeikere, commissioners, local government mayors led by ALGON Chairman and Mayor of Isiukwuato LGA, Hon. Chinedu Ekeke, and several other senior government officials.
The event underscored Governor Otti’s commitment to building a results-driven government anchored on meritocracy and integrity, which continues to shape Abia State’s governance model.
