Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, on Friday night led members of his administration in celebrating the immediate past Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof Kenneth Kalu, as the state formally honoured him at a farewell dinner.
Speaking at the ceremony organised in honour of Prof. Kalu at the Michael Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia, Governor Otti thanked him for his services as the pioneer SSG under his administration, following his resignation late last year to reunite with his family overseas.
The Governor said Prof. Kalu’s selection was based strictly on competence and capacity to deliver, stressing that ethnicity, religion or place of origin played no role in his appointment.
“The choice of Professor Kenneth Kalu was a deliberate choice so that we could learn. And like everybody else has said, he is a very humble person.
“The paraphernalia of office is less important than the office itself. That could be what is important to you. But what is important to me, that’s what we talk about. Restoring the dignity of our people.
“So governance, as far as we are concerned, is not about us, it’s about you. About our people.
“We picked him not because he is from Abam Onyerube. And I don’t know ethnicity, I don’t know religion, I don’t know state of origin. It’s just about talent. Once you have something to offer to this government, you are already hired”, Governor Otti said.
He also acknowledged the presence of Mrs Ezinne Ben Kalu, wife of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, for identifying with the family during her stay in the state and extended his greetings to her husband, Rt. Hon Benjamin Kalu.
In his remarks, the current SSG, Dr Emmanuel Meribeole, paid tribute to his predecessor, describing him as a passionate and committed public servant whose service to the state should inspire others.
Dr Meribeole said Prof. Kalu served Abia with dedication and urged public office holders to emulate his sense of responsibility and zeal.
In their separate goodwill messages, some members of the State Executive Council including he Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba; the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Prof. Uche Emeh Uche; and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters, Hon. Acho Obioma, described Prof. Kalu as humility personified, a stabilising force in government and a gentleman who exemplified excellence in public service.
Also, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Abia State University, Rt. Hon. Agwu U. Agwu, and the immediate past Mayor of Ohafia Local Government Area, Chief David Ogba Onuoha, commended Prof. Kalu’s intellect, accessibility and deep understanding of governance.
They thanked Governor Otti for honouring him and noted that the state was losing a steady and thoughtful administrator in his departure.
In his response, Prof. Kalu expressed profound gratitude to the Governor and members of the administration for the honour accorded him, describing his time in office as deeply fulfilling.
“My view about this administration is well documented. It is well known in the public space. But tonight, I’m going to focus on only one thing.
“One thing that this government has done, the government of His Excellency, Dr Alex Otti has restored the dignity of the Abia person. And that is significant.
“I am happy. I feel honoured. I am proud of how far we have gone and I am committed, very committed, to continue to work in any capacity possible to make sure that this movement, which has started, continues”, Prof. Kalu assured.
The wife of the Governor, lady Priscilla Otti was among dignitaries that attended the event.
