- The governor accused heads of MDAs of ongoing clandestine recruitment.
- He asked MDAs to immediately comply with the directives.
The Edo State governor, Monday Okpebholo, has initiated a thorough investigation into the state’s civil service recruitment process under Godwin Obaseki’s administration from May to November 2024.
A statement issued on Friday by Umar Musa Ikhilor, secretary to the state government, also announced the suspension of civil service recruitment until further notice.
The governor accused heads of various ministries, departments, and agencies of conducting “clandestine” recruitment exercises into the state’s civil service.
Initial findings revealed that some employment letters were backdated and issued irregularly without following proper procedures.
“The Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo is in receipt of report of the clandestine activities being perpetuated by some Commissions, Boards, Parastatals and Agencies of Government in the State,” the statement reads.
“Preliminary investigation reveals that these bodies have continued to issue back dated letters of employment to their cronies without due process.”
The governor emphasized that his administration prioritizes fairness and equity, ensuring all employment exercises are merit-based, competitive, and accessible.
“In light of the foregoing and in order to arrest this ugly trend, the Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo has directed the immediate suspension of all employment processes as well as the review of all appointments carried out since May, 2024 by Commissions, Boards, Parastatals and Agencies of Government,” he said.
The Edo governor directed MDAs to comply with the directives immediately.
Okpebholo has issued series of directives since taking over the affairs of the state on November 12.