Desist from last-minute recruitments – Edo leaders warn Obaseki

Some political stakeholders from Edo State have cautioned the out-going governor, Godwin Obaseki, against embarking on last-minute recruitment into the state civil service.

They said such action will create problems for the incoming Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo.

The leaders, drawn from the three Senatorial Districts of the State, also cautioned against award of contracts, and appointments into agencies and boards.

Speaking through a pro-democracy group, Initiative for Democratic Advancement and Free Speech, the leaders said Obaseki has lost touch with reality since his candidate, Asue Ighodalo lost the governorship election to the candidate of the All Progressives Congress APC, Senator Monday Okpebholo.

Executive Director of the organisaytion, Patrick Osaigbovo, who hails from Edo South, Director of Research; Andrew Isewele from Edo Central; and Kamaru Momoh, Director of Mobilization from Edo North, said, any action by Obaseki since 21st September, 2024, will be disregarded by the incoming administration of Senator Okpebholo.

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The leaders wondered why Obaseki, who enjoyed a smooth transition from the administration of Adams Oshiomhole in 2016, would want to make Edo State ungovernable for the incoming Governor, who won the last election through a popular vote.

They called on the Oba of Benin, His Imperial Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo Oba Ewuare II, other traditional rulers in the State, religious leaders, as well as political stakeholders, to prevail on Obaseki to stop such plans or face the severe consequences.

They also called on the various anti-graft agencies in the country, the Inspector-General of Police and other security agencies, to look at the affairs of the state in the twilight of the Obaseki administration.

Part of the statement reads: “Edo leaders and political stakeholders are surprised by Governor Godwin Obaseki’s recent actions.

“Obaseki has been creating problems for the incoming administration of Senator Monday Okpebholo. How can a Governor who has less than three weeks to vacate office be making appointments, awarding contracts, and recruiting people into the State’s civil service?

“Some supporters of Obaseki’s administration have been accused of taking assets and property belonging to the Edo State Government. There are videos to back up these claims. This is very strange to Edo people.

“We will resist him. We are using this opportunity to call on the Inspector-General of Police to order his officers and men to arrest supporters of the administration with government property.”