NEWS
GOV., ALEX OTTI APPOINTS DR. EMMANUEL MERIBOLE AS ACTING SECRETARY TO ABIA STATE GOVERNMENT
…as Transition Begins December 15, Takes Effect January 1, 2026
Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, has approved the appointment of Dr. Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Meribole as the Acting Secretary to the State Government (SSG). The appointment comes as the current SSG, Professor Kenneth Kalu (FCA), proceeds on a leave of absence.
Dr. Meribole, who is the Special Adviser to the Governor on Projects, will officially assume duties as Acting SSG on January 1, 2026.
According to the Abia State Government, the formal handover process will commence on Monday, December 15, 2025. During the period, Professor Kalu and Dr. Meribole will collaborate to ensure a seamless and efficient transition aimed at sustaining the administration’s policy direction and operational stability.
A trained medical doctor and seasoned administrator, Dr. Meribole retired as Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development before joining the Otti administration. He has since played a significant role in advancing strategic development initiatives across the state. His new appointment is widely regarded as a reaffirmation of Governor Otti’s confidence in his competence, discipline, and alignment with the government’s developmental vision.
Governor Otti expressed profound appreciation to Professor Kalu for his outstanding service and unwavering commitment to the progress of Abia State.
The announcement was made by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, on December 12, 2025.