BY: EMMANUEL CHUKWUMA, ENUGU.
The Chairman of Aboh Mbaise local government area, Barr. Iheukwumere Alaribe, has officially sworn in 80 Special Assistants, marking a bold move aimed at deepening grassroots governance and political participation.
Political observers postulated that these represents one of the largest recent local appointments in the state.
The event, which took place at the LGA council secretariat, was attended by Traditional Leaders, Youth Groups, Political Stakeholders, and Party Faithful — all eager to witness what the Chairman called “a Strategic Empowerment of Loyal and Competent hands.”
“These Appointments are not just Political,” Barr. Alaribe declared during the inauguration. “They are a recognition of loyalty, competence, and the commitment these individuals have shown towards the development of Aboh Mbaise and the All Progressives Congress (APC).”
Barr. Alaribe emphasized that the newly appointed Special Assistants were carefully selected based on both “proven capacity and unwavering loyalty to the APC,” the size of the appointments has raised eyebrows across the local political landscape.
Many have questioned whether 80 Assistants — nearly the size of an entire Council — are truly necessary and whether the move was simply a way of rewarding political allies ahead of future elections.
However, the Chairman was quick to allay concerns, stating that the Assistants would play critical roles in supporting local councillors, monitoring constituency projects, and ensuring the Administration’s policies reach the grassroots effectively.
He said, “This is not a Jamboree, these are foot soldiers in the field of development. They will help us monitor project execution and ensure no community is left behind.”
From ward politics to future leadership”.
The Chairman also described the appointments as a pipeline for grooming future leaders — Councillors, Vice-chairmen, Legislators, and more.
“Today’s Assistant could be tomorrow’s Councilor. This is a Leadership Laboratory,” Alaribe said. “We are building from the ground up, and i assure you — their salaries will be paid promptly.”
In an era where political appointments are often mired in controversy, this commitment to mentorship and compensation has been met with cautious optimism.
In addition to the Appointments, Barr. Alaribe announced that palliative road repairs would soon begin on the Ahiazu-Aboh-Ezinihite-Uvuru-Okpala road, a major route connecting several communities in the LGA. This announcement was greeted with applause from residents who have long decried the deteriorating state of the road.
He commended Governor Hope Uzodimma for his developmental strides across Imo State, especially in road construction, and reaffirmed his commitment to align local efforts with the governor’s broader vision.
“The days of abandoned projects are over. Councillors have submitted needs-based proposals from their wards. Our new Assistants will ensure those projects are tracked, verified, and executed responsibly.”
Speaking on behalf of the group, Miss Amaka Njemanze, representing Ward 6, said: “We are honoured by this trust. We understand the expectations of our communities, and we will not disappoint. We will represent our people with transparency, humility, and passion.”
Another Appointee, Mr. Chisom Ogu, added: “This is not just a political opportunity — it’s a call to duty. We are ready to serve, not just the Party, but the People.”
