Governor Chukwuma Soludo has named two people from outside the state as permanent secretaries, a decision that is expected to drastically alter the political landscape of Anambra state.
The governor’s press secretary, Christian Aburime, announced the appointment of 18 new permanent secretaries on Friday. Among them were native Osun state residents Adebayo Ojeyinka and Joachin Achor from Abia state.
This move is a major break from Anambra’s long-standing practice of only awarding senior civil service positions to state indigenous people. The appointments take place in the midst of ongoing reforms initiated by Governor Soludo, who promised to give meritocracy, accountability, and transparency top priority within the state administration.
A press release said that the new permanent secretaries were chosen through a “meticulous and transparent” process that included computer-based testing, a comprehensive search procedure, and one-on-one interviews with the governor. According to the statement, the purpose of this one-on-one conversation was to evaluate the applicants’ goals, aspirations, and compatibility with the goals of the government.
The statement read, “This personalised interaction allowed for a deeper understanding of the candidates’ aspirations, vision, and alignment with the government’s objectives, ensuring a well-rounded evaluation.
“It is imperative to note that historically, the selection of permanent secretaries solely rested with the prerogative of Mr Governor. However, this time, a deliberate shift towards a transparent search process was initiated.
“This change aimed to uphold principles of fairness, equal opportunity, and the identification of the most qualified candidates.
“Even younger, very productive civil servants were appointed based on their exceptional abilities.
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“This groundbreaking move by Soludo highlights his commitment to breaking down barriers and promoting inclusivity in Anambra State.
“The appointments of non-indigenes and individuals from other states demonstrate a willingness to tap into talent from all corners of the country, rather than limiting opportunities to only those who hail from Anambra.”
Reactions to Ojeyinka and Achor’s induction have been conflicting. The decision has been praised by some as a positive move in the direction of a merit-based and inclusive civil service. Ojeyinka acknowledged his excitement and thankfulness for the chance. It is reported that he has been employed with the Anambra public service since 1995, having completed his National Youth Service Corps in the state.
Others, on the other hand, are worried about the possible repercussions for eligible Native Americans who would be disregarded. It is unclear if this is a one-off event or the start of a more significant change in the way senior roles in the Anambra civil service are filled.
The decision made by Governor Soludo is expected to spark national debate and may have ramifications for other states battling comparable problems with representation and regionalism in their administrations.
