Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has reaffirmed that appointments under his administration are based strictly on merit, dismissing suggestions of political considerations.

He made the clarification on Saturday at the International Conference Centre in Umuahia during the wedding ceremony of his aide-de-camp, ASP Emeka Charles Ogbonna, and his bride, Trinity.

Addressing concerns surrounding the appointment of Dr. Ezinne Chinyere Benjamin-Kalu as Chairman of the Abia State University Teaching Hospital (ABSUTH) Management Board, the governor explained that the selection process was rigorous and transparent.

According to him, he personally interviewed seven candidates for the position, with the eventual appointee emerging as the best by a wide margin. He noted that the process was concluded earlier but delayed until the board was reconstituted following the exit of the hospital’s Chief Medical Director.

Otti stressed that factors such as political affiliation, state of origin, or personal connections played no role in the decision. Instead, he said the focus was on competence, intellectual capacity, and professional networks, particularly highlighting the appointee’s international exposure as a key advantage.

“We are not concerned about party lines or where someone comes from. What matters is what they can bring to the table and their ability to deliver results,” he said.

The governor added that this approach applies across all levels of recruitment and appointments in the state, including the selection of permanent secretaries, the hiring of 5,394 teachers, and plans to recruit an additional 4,000 educators.

He maintained that prioritising merit ensures that capable individuals are placed in positions where they can effectively contribute to governance and service delivery.

Otti also used the occasion to commend his aide-de-camp for marrying across cultural lines, describing it as a reflection of unity and openness. He revealed that the officer was similarly selected for his role based on merit after emerging as the top candidate in a competitive process.

The governor congratulated the couple and prayed for a successful marriage, asking for blessings, children, and prosperity in their new home.

He also paid tribute to former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke for hosting members of the Abia delegation who travelled for the wedding ceremony.