By Netizens Outraged as Local Government Chairman Appoints 130 Special Assistants
The Executive Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area in Rivers State, Chijioke Ihunwo, has stirred outrage among Nigerians following his announcement of appointing 130 Special Assistants.
The announcement, made via his official X account, has been widely criticized as excessive and a potential misuse of public resources.
In his post, Ihunwo, who assumed office under the African Peoples Party (APP), revealed a detailed list of 130 names, congratulating them on their new roles and urging them to serve in the interest of the local government.
“I call on them to serve diligently, in the interest of Obio/Akpor Local Government,” he wrote, adding that the appointments take immediate effect.
The announcement was met with sharp criticism on social media, with many questioning the necessity of such a large number of appointees for a local government administration.
Churchill Nwagwu commented, “This guy is a growing monster and will be worse than Wike. What’s in a local government administration that requires 130 assistants? This seems like a reward system for political thuggery.”
Similarly, Mazi Nna Emeka expressed disbelief, stating, “Maybe this guy wants to trend on X because I can’t believe what I just read. 130 individuals in an LGA and everyone is quiet. Okay o!”
Ubong Abia suggested the resources could be better allocated to the health sector. “Employ 135 nurses and doctors and post them to the Primary Healthcare Centres! They will serve the people,” he wrote.
Harry Agada described the appointments as a potential avenue for looting public funds, asking, “How can someone have personal assistants up to 130?”
Questions of Accountability
Obio/Akpor, is local government area in Rivers State, with a projected population of 665,000 as of 2022.
While the chairman’s supporters may argue that the appointments are intended to enhance governance, critics see it as a wasteful and politically motivated move that prioritizes patronage over public welfare.
With Obio/Akpor representing just 0.31% of Nigeria’s population, many wonder how the local government can justify appointing 130 special assistants without clear indications of their roles or the expected impact on governance. The chairman has yet to address the criticisms or provide a breakdown of the appointees’ responsibilities.
This development raises broader concerns about governance and accountability at the local level in Nigeria, with many calling for stricter oversight to prevent misuse of public funds.
