Otti Defends Appointment of Ezinne Kalu as ABSUTH Board Chair, Emphasises Merit Over Politics

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has defended the appointment of Dr. Ezinne Kalu as Chairman of the Board of the Abia State University Teaching Hospital (ABSUTH), stating that the decision was based strictly on merit, competence, and capacity to deliver results.

Speaking on the development, Governor Otti said the selection process was rigorous and transparent, involving the personal interview of seven candidates before Dr. Kalu emerged as the top choice.

“Recently, we made an appointment for the Chairman of the Abia State University Teaching Hospital Board, and I have heard reactions from different quarters,” Otti said.

“But what many may not know is that I personally interviewed seven candidates for the position. The lady we chose did not just come first; the gap between her and the second candidate was significant.”

The governor explained that the selection had been concluded earlier but was delayed to align with the reconstitution of the hospital’s board, following the exit of the Chief Medical Director.

“This process was completed last year, but we had to wait for the right time to reconstitute the board, especially with the CMD leaving.

Now that the board has been reconstituted, it was only proper to appoint the candidate who came first,” he added.

Otti stressed that political affiliation, state of origin, or other sectional considerations played no role in the decision, reiterating his administration’s commitment to meritocracy.

“We do not care whether she belongs to APC, PDP, YPP, or any other party. That is not important to us.

We are not concerned about where she comes from whether Abia, Delta, or anywhere else. What matters is what she has to offer,” the governor stated.

Highlighting Dr. Kalu’s strengths, Otti noted that her extensive international network and professional competence distinguished her from other candidates.

“One of the key factors that set her apart was her international exposure and the contacts she has built over time,” he said.

Reaffirming his administration’s open-door policy, the governor called on qualified individuals to contribute their expertise to the development of the state.

“In Abia, we are open to everyone. Bring your ideas, your competence, and your capacity.

Political affiliations can wait for election periods, but governance is about performance and results,” Otti said.