Otti appoints Meribole as acting SSG

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti has appointed Emmanuel Meribole as the acting Secretary to the Abia State Government.

The appointment is coming a few days after the former SSG, Professor Kenneth Kalu proceeded on Leave of Absence.

The appointment of the new SSG was made known on Friday morning by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ukoha Njoku Ukoha.

The statement said that Emmanuel Meribole, who currently serves as the Special Adviser to the Governor on Projects, will assume the duty as  acting Secretary to the State Government (SSG) with effect from January 1, 2026.

The statement further said: “To ensure a seamless transition, the handover process will commence on Monday, December 15, 2025.

“During this transition period, Professor Kenneth Kalu will work closely with Dr. Meribole to ensure the continuity of government operations and the smooth execution of the administration’s policies and programs.”

Emmanuel Meribole, a medical doctor,  retired as the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development.