The Caretaker Chairman of Obio-Akpor Local Government Area in Rivers State, Chijioke Ihunwo, has faced criticism from Nigerians on social media after announcing the appointment of 100 special assistants.
In a post on his X handle, Ihunwo wrote, “As the Caretaker Chairman of Obio-Akpor local government area of Rivers State, I have approved the appointment of one hundred Special Assistants.”
He congratulated the appointees and charged them to work effectively in line with his developmental agenda and the vision of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
However, the announcement came shortly after the Supreme Court ruled that state governments cannot appoint caretaker committees, deeming it unconstitutional.
Nigerians on X reacted with skepticism, questioning the necessity of such a large number of special assistants.
Ben Samuel (@flourish007) asked, “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 (@adegunna_julius) called the appointments “wasteful,” while Temitope Ayanbisi (@AyanbisiAT) sarcastically suggested appointing more assistants. Darlington (@Darling88663948) and Lady of leisure (@jupresss) also expressed disapproval, questioning the affordability and legitimacy of the appointments. Onyedịka (@khardiy1) joked that 100 was insufficient, suggesting 10,000 assistants instead.
The backlash highlights concerns over the excessive use of caretaker committees and the need for democratically elected governments in local councils.
