Rivers State politics has taken another dramatic turn as Obio-Akpor Local Government Chairman Chijioke Ihunwo announced the appointment of 130 special assistants, marking his second mass appointment in six months. The announcement, made via social media platform X on Wednesday, adds to the 100 special assistants he previously appointed in July 2024 during his tenure as caretaker committee chairman.
The sweeping appointments, which take immediate effect, include individuals such as Helen Nyekwere, Josephine Wogu, Daisy Worgu, Wagwu Hilda, Ogbonna Stella, Goodness Ogbonna, and Grace Amadi. Ihunwo emphasized that these new appointees “must serve diligently” in the interest of the local government area.
This massive expansion of political appointments gains additional significance against the backdrop of ongoing political tensions in Rivers State. Ihunwo, a known ally of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, recently made headlines by removing FCT Minister Nyesom Wike’s name from the council secretariat’s administrative block, highlighting the deepening political divide between Fubara and Wike camps.
The timing and scale of these appointments suggest potential political motivations beyond routine administrative needs. With 230 special assistants appointed within a six-month period, questions arise about the financial implications for the local government and the practical roles these appointees will play in governance.
The move comes amid an intensifying power struggle between Governor Fubara and his predecessor Wike, who now serves as FCT Minister. Ihunwo’s actions, including both the mass appointments and the removal of Wike’s name from council property, appear to reflect the broader political realignment occurring within Rivers State.
These appointments also raise important questions about local government administration and resource allocation in Nigeria. The practice of appointing numerous special assistants, while common in Nigerian politics, often faces criticism for potentially straining public resources and creating bureaucratic redundancies.
Ihunwo’s decision to announce the appointments via social media, specifically on the X platform, demonstrates the evolving nature of political communication in Nigeria, where traditional channels are increasingly supplemented by direct digital announcements.
The appointments could have significant implications for local governance in Obio-Akpor, one of Rivers State’s most economically important local government areas. The influx of new appointees may affect administrative efficiency and resource distribution within the council.
The chairman’s emphasis on diligent service suggests an awareness of public scrutiny regarding such mass appointments. However, the practical implementation and oversight of such a large number of special assistants remain to be seen.
As Rivers State continues to navigate complex political dynamics between the Fubara and Wike factions, these appointments may represent a strategic move to consolidate political support at the local government level. The development adds another layer to the ongoing political narrative in Rivers State, where local government actions increasingly reflect state-level political tensions.
