The Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Elder Abraham Amah, faulted the State Government on the new appointment of the Secretary to the State Government, saying that Dr Emmanuel Meribole has a questionable record.
In an Open Letter to the Governor, Elder Amah said Abians need perfection, demanding that the new SSG give clarification on the Nigerian Air controversy.
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Your Excellency, the appointment of Dr. Emmanuel Meribole as Acting Secretary to the State Government has drawn widespread concern, not because Abians reject experience, but because his public record carries unresolved moral questions. As Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Aviation during the unfortunate Nigeria Air scandal, he was officially involved in a process where a repainted aircraft borrowed from an East African airline was presented to Nigerians as a newly acquired national carrier. That episode, which attracted national outrage and parliamentary investigation, remains one of the most troubling symbols of official misrepresentation and embarrassment of the nation’s aviation sector, in recent years and it now shadows his entry into one of the most sensitive offices in our state.
Abians are not demanding perfection; they are simply asking for clarity and moral reassurance. The office of the SSG is the engine room of government, the hub where policy, coordination and ethics intersect. The previous occupant of this office came into it with no moral burden and was widely regarded as a good man who served with dignity and honour. His exit has therefore heightened public sensitivity. In contrast, Dr. Meribole’s appointment introduces a legitimate concern that must be addressed openly to prevent erosion of public trust.
For this reason, Abians expect Dr. Meribole to speak directly and transparently to them. He should explain his involvement in the Nigeria Air controversy, what decisions he took or approved, and what lessons he carries from that national embarrassment. Silence will not heal doubts; transparency will. Only by offering an honest account can he begin to discharge the moral burden associated with that scandal and earn the public confidence required to operate effectively as the chief administrative officer of your government.
Your Excellency, leadership requires the courage to confront difficult questions and the wisdom to protect the moral architecture of governance. By insisting on openness from your principal officers, you reinforce the standards you promised when you sought the mandate of Abia people. This moment calls for that clarity. Abia deserves leaders whose reputations strengthen the state, not strain it, and whose presence in high office inspires confidence, not anxiety.
I therefore urge you to ensure that this appointment does not undermine the trust your administration seeks to build. Let there be a full, honest explanation to Abians and let transparency remain the guiding principle of governance in our dear state.
Yours sincerely,
Elder Abraham Amah
State Chairman, Abia PDP
