Edo: Okpebholo suspends civil service recruitment, directs full review of employments under Obaseki
In its bid to ensure effective governance, Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State on Friday, suspended the recruitment process into the state’s civil service until further notice, while directing a comprehensive review of all recruitment exercises carried out by the Godwin Obaseki-led administration between May and November 2024. He accused government agencies and departments of engaging in clandestine recruitment activities.
According to a statement by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, the decision was released by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Musa Umar Ikhilor.
The statement read: “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 governor also reiterated his commitment to fairness and equity, saying all employment exercises are expected to be merit-based, competitive, and accessible to all Edo indigenes.
In light of this, he directed the immediate suspension of all employment processes and the review of all appointments made since May 2024 by various government agencies.
However, investigation by Vanguard showed that one of the ministries involved is the Ministry of Education, particularly regarding the creation of the Directorate of Educational Quality and Accountability (DEQA), which has not yet been passed into law but has been approving private schools, a responsibility that legally belongs to the Ministry of Education.
Allegedly, the DEQA has “secretly recruited 50 new staff” after Okpebholo’s election, taking over the roles of Ministry of Education staff who were reassigned. Further claims state that the Head of Service has refused to sign their letters to return to the Ministry.
There were also reports that the office of the Chief Inspector of Education (CIE) has been closed. These officers traditionally monitor schools at the grassroots level.
A senior staff member in the Ministry of Education told Vanguard: “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.”
Source: Vanguard newspaper
