Otti Defends Appointment of Deputy Speaker’s Wife as ABSUTH Board Chair on Merit

Abia State Governor Dr. Alex Otti has firmly defended his recent appointment of Mrs. Ezinne Chinyere Benjamin Kalu, wife of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, as the board chairman of the Abia State University Teaching Hospital (ABSUTH). Speaking at a wedding ceremony, Governor Otti clarified that the decision was based purely on merit, a principle he asserts guides all his administration's public service appointments.

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Recently, we made an appointment for the chairman of Abia State University Teaching Hospital Board. And somehow, I think I heard some noise left, right, and center.

Governor Otti detailed the rigorous selection process, revealing that he personally interviewed seven candidates for the ABSUTH board chairman position. He highlighted that Mrs. Kalu not only emerged as the top candidate but did so with a significant margin over the second-place contender. This, he explained, was particularly important given the impending departure of the Chief Medical Director and the need to reconstitute the hospital's board.

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And the lady we chose not only came first, but the gap between her and the second-place finisher was so wide.

The governor stressed that political affiliation or place of origin are irrelevant factors in his decision-making. "We don’t care whether she’s APC or PDP or YPP or whatever. Those are not important. We don’t even care whether she’s from Abia or from Delta or from anywhere. We are interested in what is inside her brain. We are interested in the contacts that she has," Otti stated. He specifically pointed to Mrs. Kalu's international connections as a key differentiator.

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So, we were waiting for an opportunity to reconstitute the board, given that the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the Teaching Hospital was leaving. So, having now reconstituted the board, we believe that it was only proper for us to give the job to the person who came first.

This approach underscores Governor Otti's commitment to a meritocratic system, which he applies universally across his administration. From appointing Permanent Secretaries to the recent recruitment of thousands of teachers, the governor insists that competence and the ability to deliver results are the sole criteria. This contrasts with traditional patronage systems, where political connections or regional considerations often play a significant role. Governor Otti's administration prioritizes performance and capability, ensuring that public service roles are filled by the most qualified individuals, regardless of their background.

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And, that’s what we did. We don’t care whether she’s APC or PDP or YPP or whatever. Those are not important. We don’t even care whether she’s from Abia or from Delta or from anywhere. We are interested in what is inside her brain. We are interested in the contacts that she has. And one of the things that stood her out from the other six was the international contacts she has.