Okphebolo orders probe of civil service recruitment under Obaseki

Monday Okpebholo, governor of Edo state, has ordered a comprehensive probe into the state civil service recruitment under Godwin Obaseki-led administration between May and November 2024.

A statement on Friday by Umar Musa Ikhilor, the secretary to the state government (SSG), said recruitment into the state’s civil service has been suspended until further notice.

The governor accused heads of various ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) of carrying out “clandestine” recruitment exercises into the civil service.

Ikhilor added that initial findings showed that some employment letters were backdated and issued irregularly without 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.”

He noted that the current administration upholds 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 state governor asked MDAs to immediately comply with the directives.