Gov. Alex Otti Appoints Dr. Emmanuel Meribole as Acting SSG in Abia State

Gov. Alex Otti Appoints Dr. Emmanuel Meribole as Acting SSG in Abia State

In a significant development within the Abia State Government, Governor Dr. Alex Otti has approved the appointment of Dr. Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Meribole as the Acting Secretary to the State Government (SSG), effective January 1, 2026.

The announcement was made on Friday, December 12, 2025, through a statement from the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ukoha Njoku Ukoha. This decision follows the approval granted for the substantive SSG, Professor Kenneth Kalu (FCA), to embark on a leave of absence for personal reasons.

Dr. Meribole, who currently holds the position of Special Adviser to the Governor on Projects, will take on the SSG’s responsibilities at the start of the new year. To ensure continuity and a seamless transition, a formal handover process is scheduled to begin on Monday, December 15, 2025, allowing Dr. Meribole and Professor Kalu to work together in the coming days.

A medical doctor by training and an experienced public administrator, Dr. Meribole previously served as a Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development before joining the Otti administration. His contributions to strategic projects and state development initiatives have been regarded as instrumental to the government’s ongoing agenda.

Governor Otti commended Professor Kalu for his service to the state and expressed confidence that Dr. Meribole’s appointment will maintain stability and drive the government’s policy direction forward.