Matilda Omonaiye/
Chijioke Ihunwo, Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area (LGA) in Rivers State, has appointed 230 Special Assistants.
“This strategic initiative is aimed at strengthening the administration’s capacity to effectively serve the people of Obio/Akpor,” he shared in a post on his official X account.
The first round of appointments took place on January 8, 2025, when Ihunwo appointed 130 Special Assistants, including both indigenes and non-indigenes of Obio/Akpor.
Following up on January 19, Ihunwo announced an additional 100 appointments, raising the total number of Special Assistants to 230.
In his posts, Ihunwo emphasised that the appointments reflect his commitment to expanding governance and providing more opportunities for individuals to contribute to the development of Obio/Akpor.
However, the appointments have not gone without controversy. Olusegun Onigbinde, co-founder of the civic-tech organisation, BudgIT, raised concerns about the practicality of such a large number of appointees.
He noted, “While I commend the Chairman’s efforts to create opportunities for many, I wonder if the governance structure is large enough to handle such a vast number of Special Assistants. Can the system remain efficient when it is overburdened with too many appointees?”
Onigbinde’s comments reflect a broader skepticism about the long-term sustainability of such a move.
Despite the criticisms, many have praised the Chairman’s intentions. Supporters argue that this initiative demonstrates forward-thinking leadership and provides more people with the opportunity to contribute to governance.
“This is a progressive step that allows more citizens to actively engage in the development of our community,” one supporter commented on X.
As the public continues to weigh the potential benefits and challenges, all eyes will be on whether this ambitious move results in tangible improvements for Obio/Akpor.
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