Saturday, November 23, 2024 -Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has announced the suspension of all recruitment into the state’s civil service until further notice. The decision, disclosed on Friday, includes a directive for a comprehensive review of all recruitment exercises conducted by the Godwin Obaseki-led administration between May and November 2024.
In a statement issued by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred
Itua, and relayed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Musa Umar
Ikhilor, the Governor accused government agencies and departments of engaging
in clandestine recruitment practices.
“The Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, is
in receipt of a report on the clandestine activities being perpetuated by some
commissions, boards, parastatals, and agencies of the state government.
Preliminary investigations reveal that these bodies have continued to issue
backdated letters of employment to their cronies without due process,” the
statement read.
The Governor emphasized the need for fairness, equity, and transparency
in employment processes, stating that all exercises must be merit-based,
competitive, and accessible to all Edo State indigenes. Consequently, he
directed the immediate suspension of all employment activities and a review of
appointments made in recent months by various government agencies.
Investigations revealed irregularities in some ministries, including the
Ministry of Education. Allegedly, the newly created Directorate of Educational
Quality and Accountability (DEQA), which has not yet been legally formalized,
has approved private schools and recruited 50 new staff without proper
authorization. These roles reportedly overlap with those of Ministry of
Education staff who were reassigned, with the Head of Service allegedly
refusing to sign their letters of reassignment.
Additionally, reports indicate that the office of the Chief Inspector of
Education (CIE), responsible for grassroots school monitoring, has been closed.
Concerns have been raised about the sidelining of education officers and the
disruption of critical oversight functions.
A senior staff member in the Ministry of Education expressed concerns
over these developments: “Reopening the field offices, recalling sidelined
education officers, and streamlining the functions of various directorates are
critical first steps. This is not just about fixing a broken system; it’s about
ensuring that every child in Edo State has access to quality education that
prepares them for the future.”
Governor Okpebholo’s decision is seen as part of broader efforts to
address irregularities in government operations and ensure accountability in
Edo State.
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