Soludo Appoints Non-Indigenes As Anambra Accountant General, Permanent Secretary In Landmark Move

In a significant break from long-standing tradition, Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has appointed two non-indigenes to top positions in the state’s civil service, reinforcing his administration’s commitment to meritocracy, inclusivity, and institutional reform.

Joachim Achor, an indigene of Abia State, has been appointed Accountant General of Anambra, while Adebayo Ojeyinka, a native of Osun State, has been named a Permanent Secretary. Governor Soludo described the appointments as a deliberate shift towards a competence-driven bureaucracy that reflects the state’s openness to all Nigerians.

Announcing the development on Thursday, Soludo’s Press Secretary, Mr Christian Aburime, stated that the appointments were the outcome of a rigorous and transparent recruitment process, devoid of political or ethnic considerations.

“The process comprised computer-based testing, a merit-based screening exercise, and a final stage involving direct interaction with Governor Soludo. This allowed for an in-depth evaluation of each candidate’s alignment with the administration’s reform agenda and capacity for public service excellence,” Aburime said.

He added that the appointments are emblematic of the governor’s reform agenda, anchored on merit, diversity, and professionalism.

Achor’s story is one of exemplary public service. He arrived in Anambra as a student of Federal Polytechnic, Oko, and later served in the state during his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) year, earning the NYSC State Merit Award as the best corps member. Impressed by his performance, the then-military government granted him automatic employment in the state civil service.

Over the years, Achor rose through the ranks—serving as Director, Permanent Secretary, and now, Accountant General. His appointment represents the culmination of decades of professional excellence, resilience, and dedication within the Anambra public service.

“Governor Soludo has disrupted the entrenched pattern of ethnic-based appointments, replacing it with a system that rewards competence and national integration,” Aburime noted. “These appointments send a strong message that Anambra belongs to all Nigerians who are ready to serve with excellence.”

In his response, Achor expressed deep appreciation for the trust placed in him by Governor Soludo and the people of Anambra. He described the appointment as a “deeply humbling” recognition of service and reaffirmed his commitment to uphold the principles of professionalism and national unity.

“I thank Governor Soludo for his visionary leadership and for promoting a pan-Nigerian ethos in governance. This is a bold affirmation that excellence knows no ethnic boundaries,” Achor said. He also paid tribute to the people of Anambra for their support over the years and expressed gratitude to God for the journey thus far.

Governor Soludo’s appointments are widely seen as a transformative move, setting a precedent in public sector leadership and demonstrating a progressive model for inclusive governance across Nigeria.