ANAMBRA State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has appointed Joachim Achor, from Abia State, as the Accountant General of Anambra in his effort for inclusivity in the civil service.
Similarly, Soludo recently appointed Adebayo Ojeyinka, a native of Osun State, as a Permanent Secretary in a move the governor said further underscored his commitment to a diverse and competence-driven civil service.
This appointment marks a departure from the longstanding tradition of reserving top government positions exclusively for state indigenes.
In a statement on Thursday, Soludo’s Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, said these appointments were not politically motivated, but rather the outcome of a rigorous, transparent selection process.
Aburime said, “The process included computer-based examinations, a merit-based screening exercise, and a final stage of personal interaction with Governor Soludo.
“This personalised interaction allowed the Governor to deeply assess each candidate’s vision, alignment with the administration’s reform agenda, and their capacity to deliver on public service excellence.
“This is not just symbolic, it is the culmination of a remarkable journey marked by personal resilience, professional excellence, and unwavering dedication to public service within the Anambra State Civil Service.”
According to him, Soludo’s appointment of Achor aligns with his administration’s bold reform agenda centred on meritocracy, inclusivity, and institutional integrity.
Originally from Abia State, 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 for the mandatory National Youth Service Corps 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, Achor steadily rose through the ranks, serving with distinction as Director, Permanent Secretary, and now Accountant General.
Historically, appointments to senior civil service positions in Anambra were often subject to political patronage, ethnic considerations, or gubernatorial discretion.
By breaking this pattern, Soludo has signalled a strategic shift in governance, one that seeks to institutionalise fairness, professionalism, and national integration within the state’s administrative architecture.
“These appointments send a clear political message that Anambra belongs to all Nigerians who are willing to serve with excellence.
“It also sent 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,” the statement added.
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 prioritises 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,” Achor said.
He also commended the citizens of Anambra for their consistent support throughout his civil service career.
“I thank the people of Anambra for the warmth and camaraderie they have shown me. It has been an honour and a privilege to serve this state. I give glory to God for the grace to reach this level.”
“Governor Soludo’s appointments are more than administrative decisions; they represent a bold political statement—a deliberate effort to redefine public service values and institutional culture in Nigeria,” he added.