Former Imo State Attorney General, Chukwuma Ume, SAN, has commended Governor Alex Otti of Abia State for the appointment of Edo State-born Benson Ojeikere as the state’s Head of Service.

Mr Ume said such action had elevated meritocracy over primordial sentiments and parochialism.

The senior lawyer stated this in a letter addressed to the governor dated August 12.

He said Mr Ojeikere’s appointment to the exalted position is a clear demonstration of Mr Otti’s commitment to upholding the principles of excellence and meritocracy over mediocrity in the governance of the state.

Mr Ojeikere, a youth corps member from Edo State, was posted to Abia State in 1999, where he served and emerged as the best corps member.

He subsequently got automatic employment in the state’s civil service.

In 2023, Mr Otti appointed him a permanent secretary, following his emergence as one of the best in the selection process, and he was posted to the Government House, where he served until his appointment as HoS.

The statement read, “You have once again given Nigerians a reason to believe that excellence still has a place in the public service and in our nation-building efforts. The appointment of Mr Benson Ojeikere, a bright star son of Edo State, as the Head of Service in Abia State, is a rare and powerful statement that the true boundaries of leadership are drawn, not by ethnicity or state of origin, but by competence, character, and functional contributions of the individuals.

“Your Excellency, you elevated meritocracy over mediocrity, progress over politics, and performance over parochialism. In fact, you have rekindled the very spirit that built the nations: the courage to reward hard work, intelligence and patriotism without prejudice. You have shown that progress in governance is not about the length of one’s political reach but about the height of one’s moral and visionary compass.’’

Mr Ume said the story of Mr Ojeikere was a vivid reminder about the original dream of the National Youth Service Corps. .

According to him, it is a vision where young Nigerians, regardless of where they come from, can plant roots in any part of the country, water them with dedication and discipline, and watch them grow into towering trees of national service.

He said the appointment would be an inspiration to the youth to cultivate lasting bonds, promote national integration and develop a sense of corporate existence and shared destiny.

(NAN)