Political party affiliation, state of origin irrelevant in Abia appointments — Otti

In Abia State, Governor Alex Otti is championing a new era of governance where merit, not connections, dictates who gets a job. In a clear departure from the past, Otti has stated that political party leanings and where an appointee hails from are secondary to their skills and capabilities.

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What gave him the job is merit. At the time I decided to give him the job, I didn’t know where he came from.

This principle was highlighted during a recent wedding ceremony where the governor elaborated on his selection process. He pointed to his Aide-de-Camp and the Chair of the Abia State University Teaching Hospital Management Board as examples of individuals chosen for their competence after rigorous evaluation. Otti stressed that the focus is on what is 'inside their brain' and their ability to deliver results, rather than their ethnic or political background.

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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 in her brain.

This meritocratic approach is not limited to high-profile positions. The governor confirmed it extends to the recruitment of thousands of teachers and other public service roles. By prioritizing performance and qualifications, Otti aims to build a more effective and service-oriented government for Abia State, signaling a significant shift in public administration priorities.

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The lady that we chose did not only come first, but the difference between her and the person that came second was so wide.