The Anambra State Government on Thursday confirmed the appointment of Joachim Achor as the Accountant General of Anambra.
Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s Chief Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, disclosed this in a statement.
Soludo appointed Abia-born Achor, contrary to the longstanding tradition of reserving top government positions exclusively for state indigenes.
Achor’s appointment, however, raised eyebrows which led the state government to issue a press release, stating that the outcome was of a rigorous 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.”
However, Achor is not the only non-indigene to hold a key government office in the state.
In 2024, the Soludo government appointed Adebayo Ojeyinka, a native of Osun State, as a Permanent Secretary.
Ojeyinka gave his remarks during President Bola Tinubu’s recent visit to Anambra in the Igbo language.
Ojeyinka has been in the Anambra public service system since 1995, when he completed his National Youth Service Corps Scheme (NYSC) in the State.
Similarly, Achor, although Abia-born, first came to Anambra as a student in search of academic opportunity.
After graduating from the Federal Polytechnic in Oko, he was assigned to Anambra for the mandatory NYSC program.
During his service year, he was said to have distinguished himself as the best corps member in the state, an achievement that earned him the NYSC State Merit Award.
Impressed by his performance and character, the military administration at the time offered him automatic employment in the state civil service.
Over the years, Achor advanced through the ranks, serving as Director, Permanent Secretary, and now as Accountant General.
Often, appointments to senior government positions in states are influenced by political patronage, ethnic considerations, at the discretion of the governor.
“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 gratitude to Soludo and the people of Anambra State for the opportunity to serve.
He said, “I owe a great debt of gratitude to Governor Soludo, a true nationalist and pan-Nigerian leader who values merit above state of origin.
“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.
“Governor Soludo’s appointments are more than administrative decisions; they represent a bold political statement and a deliberate effort to redefine public service values and institutional culture in Nigeria.”
