Nollywood actress Destiny Etiko’s appointment as a Senior Special Assistant to Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah has triggered debate on social media, with critics questioning her suitability for the role.
Etiko was reportedly appointed Senior Special Assistant on Youth Engagement and Creative Economy, becoming the third Nollywood actress to join the governor’s administration in recent months.
The actress confirmed the development indirectly on Sunday through her response to a congratulatory message from fellow Nollywood star Sarah Martins.
Martins had described the appointment as “well deserved”, prompting Etiko to respond, “My love, I appreciate you.”
Other actors, including Ikpechukwu Nweke and Evan Okoro, also congratulated her on the appointment.
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However, the development attracted criticism, with social media commentator Daniel Regha questioning Etiko’s qualifications for the position.
Regha argued that government appointments were increasingly being given to individuals without the necessary credentials, raising questions about the criteria used in selecting political appointees.
Other social media users also brought political considerations into the discussion, with one reaction describing the actress as an “Officially APC Baby”.
Etiko’s reported appointment follows that of actress Rachael Okonkwo, who was named Senior Special Assistant on Films and Creative Industries by Mbah.
The appointments have further strengthened the presence of Nollywood personalities in the Enugu State Government, given the state's longstanding association with Nigeria’s film industry.
Etiko hails from Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State and rose to prominence after featuring in the 2014 film Idemili.
She has since established herself as an actress and filmmaker, earning the Nollywood Personality of the Year award at The Sun Awards in 2021.
Her production credits include Dear Mum, Girls in the Hood and Mad Combo.
As of the time of filing this report, the Enugu State Government had yet to issue an official statement confirming the appointment or explaining the responsibilities attached to the position.
Details of her resumption date, formal appointment and specific mandate were also not immediately available.
The development has therefore left questions about the scope of her new role and the criteria behind her selection, amid continuing reactions from supporters and critics.
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