Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has ordered an indefinite suspension of all civil service recruitment in the state.
The governor has also ordered a comprehensive review of all recruitment exercises conducted by the Godwin Obaseki-led administration between May and November 2024.
This was disclosed in a notice signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Musa Ikhilor, on Friday and shared with the media by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua.
The governor accused the heads of various ministries, departments, and agencies of engaging in clandestine recruitment exercises within the state’s civil service.
The notice stated, “The Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has received reports of clandestine activities being perpetrated by some commissions, boards, parastatals, and agencies of government in the state.
“Preliminary investigations reveal that these bodies have been issuing backdated letters of employment to their cronies without following due process.
“For the avoidance of doubt, this administration is committed to the principles of fairness and equity, which demand that all employment exercises should be merit-based, competitive, and accessible to all Edo indigenes.
“In light of the foregoing, and to address this unacceptable trend, the governor has directed the immediate suspension of all recruitment processes and a review of all appointments made since May 2024 by commissions, boards, parastatals, and agencies of government.
“Heads of ministries, departments, and agencies are advised to take note and comply with this directive.”
