Anambra State governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has appointed Mr. Joachim Achor, an indigene of Abia State as the Accountant General of Anambra State.
This appointment marks a decisive departure from the longstanding tradition of reserving top government positions exclusively for state indigenes.
Achor first came to Anambra as a student in search of academic opportunity. Upon graduating from the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, he was deployed to Anambra State for the mandatory one year National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme. During his service year, he earned distinction as the best corps member in the state, a feat that earned him the prestigious NYSC State Merit Award.
Impressed by his performance and character, the then-military administration offered him automatic employment in the state civil service, a rare gesture at the time. Over the decades, Mr. Achor steadily rose through the ranks, serving as Director, Permanent Secretary, and now Accountant General of the state.
Recall that the governor also recently appointed Mr. Adebayo Ojeyinka, an indigene of Osun State, as a Permanent Secretary, which he observed, underscored his commitment to a diverse and competence-driven bureaucracy.
Press Secretary to Governor Soludo, Mr Christian Aburime, said Achor’s elevation is symbolic and a culmination of a remarkable journey marked by personal resilience, professional excellence, and unwavering dedication to public service within the Anambra State Civil Service.
“Governor Soludo’s appointment of Mr. Achor aligns with his administration’s bold reform agenda centered on meritocracy, inclusivity, and institutional integrity.
“These appointments were not politically motivated, but rather the outcome of a rigorous, transparent selection process.
“The process included computer-based examinations, a merit-based screening exercise, and a final stage of personal interaction with Governor Soludo.
“This personalized interaction allowed the governor to deeply assess each candidate’s vision, alignment with the administration’s reform agenda, and the capacity to deliver on public service excellence.”Aburime stated.
According to the Press secretary, historically, appointments to senior civil service positions in Anambra were often subject to political patronage, ethnic considerations, or gubernatorial discretion, adding that by breaking this pattern, Governor Soludo has signaled a strategic shift in governance that seeks to institutionalize fairness, professionalism, and national integration within the state’s administrative architecture.
Aburime added: “This unprecedented move to appoint non-indigenes to such high-level roles not only challenges entrenched notions of state exclusivity, but also reaffirms Anambra’s openness, progressivism, and cosmopolitan spirit.
“It sends a clear political message that Anambra belongs to all Nigerians who are willing to serve with excellence.
“These appointments send a strong message: Anambra is open to all Nigerians. Talent will not be ignored because of ethnicity or origin. We are building a government anchored on merit, diversity, and service delivery.”
In his reaction, Achor expressed profound gratitude to Governor Soludo and the people of Anambra State for what he described as a “deeply humbling” opportunity.
He praised the governor’s vision and leadership, which he said prioritizes capability and national unity over narrow ethno-regional interests.
“I owe a great debt of gratitude to Governor Soludo a true nationalist and pan-Nigerian leader who values merit above state of origin.
“I thank the people of Anambra for the warmth and camaraderie they have shown me. It has been an honor and privilege to serve this state. I give glory to God for the grace to reach this level,” he said.
The Member, representing Ukwa East/West Federal Constituency and Chairman, House Committee on South East Development Commission (SEDC), Hon. Chris Nkwonta, has enjoined his Constituents and Nigerians, to imbibe the virtues of sacrifice, forgiveness, hope, patience, humility and love for humanity as exemplified by Our Lord Jesus Christ, which is the real essence of Easter Celebration.
In a statement personally signed by the Legislator, he called on his Constituents and the Christian Community in Nigeria to demonstrate Christ-like virtues of love for humanity, hope for a better future, peaceful and harmonious disposition in their dealings with one another for a United Ukwa Federal Constituency and indeed Nigeria, where brotherly love reigns amongst Citizens.
He maintained that despite the prevailing temporary economic difficulties; there is light at the end of the tunnel and strong hope for a better, improved and secured economy within a short period of time.
Hon. Nkwonta, wished everyone a hitch free and joyous Easter Celebration.
The Member, representing Ukwa East/West Federal Constituency and Chairman, House Committee on South East Development Commission (SEDC), Hon. Chris Nkwonta, has enjoined his Constituents and Nigerians, to imbibe the virtues of sacrifice, forgiveness, hope, patience, humility and love for humanity as exemplified by Our Lord Jesus Christ, which is the real essence of Easter Celebration.
In a statement personally signed by the Legislator, he called on his Constituents and the Christian Community in Nigeria to demonstrate Christ-like virtues of love for humanity, hope for a better future, peaceful and harmonious disposition in their dealings with one another for a United Ukwa Federal Constituency and indeed Nigeria, where brotherly love reigns amongst Citizens.
He maintained that despite the prevailing temporary economic difficulties; there is light at the end of the tunnel and strong hope for a better, improved and secured economy within a short period of time.
Hon. Nkwonta, wished everyone a hitch free and joyous Easter Celebration!
The Rivers State Police Command has declared that the tragic death of a 26-year-old lady, Peace Moses, an indigene of Akwa Ibom State, was not reported in any of its divisions or units across the state.
Peace was knocked down last Monday evening by a convoy of about 15 fast-moving vehicles around Omega Junction along Ada-George Road in Port Harcourt.
She was returning from an evening service at her church, Love Channel Christian Centre, also located along Ada-George Road, when the tragic incident occurred.
Last Thursday, a candlelight procession was organised in her honour by her friends and neighbours.
Speaking with our correspondent in Port Harcourt yesterday, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, Grace Iringe-Koko, a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), wondered why neighbours could not report the incident to the Police.
Iringe-Koko stated that even the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of the Rumuepirikom Police Division was unaware of the tragic incident.
“Probably they didn’t report any such incident to the Police Station because the DPO in charge of that area is asking me where and when the incident occurred.
See, if they don’t report cases to the Police, how would the Police know? We are not magicians. I just spoke with the DPO, and she said she is not aware of anything like that.
“Somebody needs to report or anyhow, information needs to get through so that we too will get it,” she said.
But reacting to the claim by the Police, a human rights lawyer, Courage Nsirimovu, said that, with or without a report on the tragic incident, the Police are duty-bound to investigate the matter.
Nsirimovu said: “The duty of the Nigerian police is to secure lives and properties, and where a life has been lost in such grievous circumstances, the police have a duty to investigate the matter on the basis of their mandate and the public need to prevent such a menace to human life.
“The Police have a duty to investigate the matter, with or without a petition.”