Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has relieved Professor Kenneth Kalu of his duties as Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and asked him to proceed on leave.
In his place, Dr. Emmanuel Meribole has been appointed Acting SSG, effective January 1, 2026.
The announcement was made in a statement issued on Friday by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ukoha Njoku, and made available to journalists in Umuahia.
Meribole, who currently serves as the Governor’s Special Adviser on Projects, will begin the handover process on Monday, December 15, 2025, working closely with Kalu to ensure a smooth transition and the uninterrupted implementation of government policies and programs.
A medical doctor by training, Meribole is a seasoned professional who previously retired as Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development.
His tenure as Special Adviser has been marked by the successful execution of several key developmental initiatives across the state.
Governor Otti expressed gratitude to Professor Kalu for his dedicated service to Abia State and commended his contributions to the administration.
