Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has appointed Dr. Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Meribole as the Acting Secretary to the State Government (SSG). The appointment follows the Governor’s approval for the incumbent SSG, Professor Kenneth Kalu (FCA), to embark on a leave of absence.
Dr. Meribole, who currently serves as Special Adviser to the Governor on Projects, will assume his new role effective January 1, 2026.
The state government has scheduled a formal handover to begin on Monday, December 15, 2025, during which Professor Kalu and Dr. Meribole will work closely to ensure a smooth and uninterrupted transition. The arrangement is designed to maintain operational stability and sustain the administration’s policy direction.
A medical doctor by training, Dr. Meribole is a distinguished and multi-skilled professional who retired as Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development. Since joining the Otti administration, he has played a key role in driving strategic development initiatives across the state. His elevation to Acting SSG is viewed as a strong vote of confidence in his capacity, discipline, and alignment with the Governor’s developmental agenda.
Governor Otti, in announcing the appointment, expressed deep appreciation to Professor Kalu for his exemplary service and unwavering dedication to the progress of Abia State.
