Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has appointed Mrs Esther Chinyere Onyekesi, mother of slain businessman Martin Onyekesi, popularly known as Fish Magnet, as Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development.
The appointment was part of a list of nominees forwarded to the Anambra State House of Assembly on Tuesday for screening.
Onyekesi, whose son was abducted and killed by suspected kidnappers in Awka in 2025, was included among 18 commissioner nominees submitted to the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Nkem Udeze.
The late businessman, widely known as Fish Magnet, was reportedly kidnapped from his residence, with his body later discovered before ransom negotiations could be concluded.
The killing sparked outrage across the state, with protests led by activist Martin Vincent Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan, demanding justice.
Despite attempts by some political actors to link the incident to politics, Onyekesi, a former Women Leader of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), maintained that her son’s death was not politically motivated.
Her nomination forms part of a broader cabinet reshuffle, with only four returning commissioners and several new entrants.
Other nominees include Dr Ben Chuks Odoemena (Agriculture), Mr Chukwukadibia Okoye (Budget and Economic Planning), Dr Afam Obidike (Health), and Barr. Tobechukwu Nweke, SAN (Justice/Attorney-General).
Confirming the development, the governor’s aide, Franklin Osankwa, said the list was formally presented during plenary for legislative screening and approval.
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