Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has once again underscored his administration’s commitment to meritocracy and inclusivity, with the recent appointment of a non-indigene as the state’s Accountant General. This latest move follows earlier appointments of two non-indigenes as Permanent Secretaries, signaling a decisive departure from the traditional practice of reserving top government positions exclusively for state indigenes.

On Thursday, July 24, 2025, Governor Soludo approved the appointment of Mr. Joachim Achor, an indigene of Abia State, as the new Accountant General of Anambra State. Achor’s elevation is particularly significant as he had previously served as a Permanent Secretary under the Soludo administration, alongside Mr. Adebayo Ojeyinka from Osun State, who was appointed Permanent Secretary in March 2024.

According to a statement from the Governor’s Press Secretary, Mr. Christian Aburime, these appointments are a testament to Soludo’s “bold reform agenda centered on meritocracy, inclusivity, and institutional integrity.” Aburime clarified that the appointments were not politically motivated but were the outcome of a rigorous and transparent selection process. Candidates underwent computer-based examinations, merit-based screening exercises, and a final stage of personal interviews with Governor Soludo to assess their vision and alignment with the administration’s reform objectives.

Mr. Joachim Achor’s journey in Anambra State public service is notable. He first came to Anambra as a student and, upon graduating from the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, was deployed to the state for his mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme. His outstanding performance earned him the prestigious NYSC State Merit Award, which led to automatic employment in the state civil service by the then-military administration – a rare gesture at the time. Over the decades, Mr. Achor steadily rose through the ranks, serving as a Director, then a Permanent Secretary, before his recent appointment as Accountant General.

The Governor’s office emphasized that “the appointment of non-indigenes to such high-level roles reaffirms Anambra’s openness, progressivism, and cosmopolitan spirit.” The statement added that this move “sends a clear political message that Anambra belongs to all Nigerians who are willing to serve with excellence,” reflecting the administration’s resolve to build a government anchored on competence, diversity, and efficient service delivery.

These appointments are expected to spark further discussions on regional integration and the need for a national approach to governance that prioritizes competence over ethnic or state of origin considerations.