LG Chairman’s Aide Justifies Appointment Of 72-Yr-Old Woman As SA On Singing

The recent appointment of Mrs Josephine Anichebe (aka JoJo Nwa-mmeri) as a special assistant on singing to the chairman of Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State has been justified as part of efforts aimed at grass-root development by the council boss, Hon Chukwudi Celestine Nnadozie, his media aide said on Tuesday.

THE WHISTLER reports that reactions have trailed the appointment, with some commentators likening it to former Imo State governor Rochas Okorocha’s creation of Ministry of Happiness during the twilight of his administration.

It would be recalled that the council chairman, Hon Nnadozie, announced the appointment of Mrs Anichebe, 72, from Umulokpa, as his special assistant on singing when he visited the Mbanano zone of the LGA recently.

Hon. Nnadozie had during the visit said the appointment followed Mrs Anichebe’s creativity in singing at various functions in the area over the years.

While some see the appointment as reciprocity, others described the chairman’s gesture as an antithesis to local government administration.

Meanwhile, the media aide to the chairman, Mr Gwiyi Solomon, in the defence of the appointment, said: “Do they [those against the appointment] know how long she has sung and danced to promote government activities in the council area? They know she has worked all her life for the recent recognition accorded her by the chairman. Mrs JoJo, as she is commonly known, is one woman who is generally known for her passion and desire to promote government activities in the local council using both her dancing and singing skills, which dated back to the era of Dr Chimaroke Nnamani, former governor of Enugu State.

“Many of us grew up knowing her to be a very skillful singer and dancer using her God-given talent to promote and support policies of past administrations in the area, with none of those previous leaders turning up to appreciate her for her timeless efforts. Recent among her clear demonstration of talent and singing skill was what played out during the recent thank-you-visit organized by the council chairman, Hon Chukwudi Celestine Nnadozie, who upon spotting Mama’s natural and glaring ability to creatively conjoin songs to suit government programmes, promptly appointed her as his SA on singing.”

While calling on those against the appointment to be considerate, Mr Solomon added that, “Mrs Anichebe’s appointment was done in good conscience, and represents what it stands for: reward for hard work.”