The Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area (LGA) in Rivers State, Chijioke Ihunwo, has appointed 230 Special Assistants.
“This strategic initiative is aimed at strengthening the administration’s capacity to effectively serve the people of Obio/Akpor,” Ihunwo announced on his official X account on January 18.
Thefrontrank reports that the first round of appointments took place on January 8, 2025, when Ihunwo appointed 130 Special Assistants.
Following up on January 18, Ihunwo announced an additional 100 appointments, raising the total number of Special Assistants to 230.
In his posts, Ihunwo emphasised that the appointments reflect his commitment to expanding governance and providing more opportunities for individuals to contribute to the development of Obio/Akpor.
The pattern of appointments is not new to the local government chairman.
In July 2024, during his tenure as caretaker committee chairman, he appointed 100 Special Assistants.
Ihunwo is a known ally of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
His actions have occasionally stirred controversy, including the removal of Nyesom Wike’s name from the administrative block of the council secretariat in October.
Wike, the former governor of Rivers State and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), is from Rumuepirikom in Obio-Akpor LGA.
He has been embroiled in a political rivalry with Fubara, resulting in a tense supremacy battle in the state.
