The Chairman of Igbo Etiti Local Government Area (LGA) in Enugu State, Eric Odo, has made unconventional appointments by naming special assistants for specific agricultural crops.
Nwodo Everestus Ugonna has been appointed Senior Special Assistant on Garden Egg and Pepper, while Ezeugwu Frederick Ogbonna will serve as Senior Special Assistant on Yam and Pepper.
According to official appointment letters dated November 1, both appointees are required to report to the Executive Chairman’s office in Ogbede for briefing and deployment.
The letters emphasize that these roles are temporary, at the discretion of the Executive Chairman, and not part of the civil service.
“I am pleased to inform you that the executive chairman Igbo Etiti LGA has approved your appointment as senior special assistant to the local government chairman on agriculture (yam and pepper),” Ezeugwu’s letter reads.
“You should report to the executive chairman Igbo Etiti LGA, Ogbede, for briefing and deployment.
“It is pertinent to note that this is not a career civil service appointment but a temporary appointment which you hold at the pleasure of the executive chairman of Igbo Etiti LGA.”
Similarly, Ugonna’s letter confirmed his appointment to oversee garden egg and pepper.
These appointments have drawn a lot of attention because of their unusual specificity, sparking debate about their necessity and potential impact on local agricultural policies.