The Association of Non-Indigenes in Anambra State (ANIAS) has commended Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo for appointing a non-indigene, Mr. Joachin Chinedum Achor from Abia State, as the Acting Accountant General of Anambra State.
Governor Soludo approved the appointment following the exit of Dr. Chukwudi Okoli, who held the position for nearly three years.
The announcement of the appointment was made public in a statement released on Thursday by the Governor’s Press Secretary, Mr. Christian Aburime.
According to the statement, Mr. Achor’s elevation to Acting Accountant General is a recognition of his outstanding service and commitment to the public sector in Anambra State.
His career progression from entry-level civil servant to Director, Permanent Secretary, and now Acting Accountant General is being hailed as a testament to merit and professionalism.
Reacting to the development, ANIAS, through its President, Prince Chigozie Nweke, in a statement on Friday expressed deep appreciation to Governor Soludo for what they described as a bold and inclusive decision.
Prince Nweke praised the governor as a "pan-Nigerian" leader who values competence over ethnicity or political affiliation.
"The Association of Non-Indigenes in Anambra State, comprising people of Yoruba, Hausa, Igala, Ijaw, Igbo and various other ethnic groups across Nigeria, is proud of Governor Soludo for embracing inclusive governance," Nweke stated.
He noted that appointments to senior civil service roles such as the position of Accountant General are often influenced by political patronage, ethnic loyalty, or governor personal discretion.
However, in this case, Soludo demonstrated a commitment to merit-based governance by appointing the most qualified individual, irrespective of state of origin.
“This appointment signifies a strategic shift toward institutionalizing fairness, professionalism, and national integration within Anambra’s administrative framework,” he added.
Prince Nweke said that Soludo’s unprecedented move challenges the long-standing norm of state exclusivity in public appointments and positions Anambra as a forward-thinking, inclusive, and cosmopolitan state.
While applauding the governor's leadership style and spirit of inclusion, he expressed gratitude on behalf of the non-indigene community for the warm hospitality extended to them by both the government and the people of Anambra State.
He also assured Governor Soludo of the unwavering support of the non-indigenes in the state.
“Your Excellency, the non-indigene community in Anambra State stands firmly behind you. We will continue to support your administration and contribute meaningfully to the development of the state as law-abiding citizens,” Nweke added.
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