The Caretaker Chairman of Obio-Akpor Local Government Area in Rivers State, Chijioke Ihunwo, is facing criticism from netizens after announcing the appointment of 100 special assistants on Wednesday.
Ihunwo took to his X (formerly Twitter) handle to share the news, writing, “As the Caretaker Chairman of Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, I have approved the appointment of one hundred Special Assistants.” He then listed the names of the appointees without detailing their specific roles.
In his announcement, Ihunwo congratulated the appointees and urged them to align with his developmental agenda and the vision of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The announcement quickly garnered media attention, coinciding with a Supreme Court ruling that a state government cannot appoint a caretaker committee and that local government councils must be democratically elected. The judgement stated, “The use of caretaker committees to run local governments is a violation of the Constitution, as it constitutes an attempt by the state government to take control of local governments.”
Reactions on X were overwhelmingly critical of Ihunwo’s decision, with many questioning the necessity and financial implications of the appointments.
Ben Samuel, tweeting as @flourish007, remarked, “Guess this is a joke taken too far? Otherwise, I would like you to define their job responsibilities or if they would be working free of charge?? Who are these people for God’s sake?”
Julius Adegunna, using the handle @adegunna_julius, commented, “This is wasteful. How many wards and towns do you have in your local government?”
In a sarcastic tone, Temitope Ayanbisi (@AyanbisiAT) said, “100 Special Assistants is too small sha. Obio-Akpor LGA has a population of 665,000 people. 10% of that number, at 66,500 Special Assistants would have been better. Add more numbers please, my able Chairman!”
Another user, Darlington (@Darling88663948), pointed out, “You and your uncountable funny assistants have lost your positions. You can reappoint them after you are duly elected.”
Lady of leisure (@jupresss) questioned the practicality of the appointments, saying, “100 special assistants to Oga caretaker. With their own assistants and advisory. How can a local government afford such splurge?”
Onyedịka (@khardiy1) added, “I don’t think 100 will be enough. Can you consider making them 10,000? You can even employ everybody you pass on the road.”
