The All Progressives Congress (APC) has accused outgoing Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, of converting political appointees into full-time civil servants just six days before the end of his tenure. Senator Monday Okpebholo, Edo’s Governor-elect, raised concerns through the APC’s transition committee.
In a statement issued by Prince Kassim Afegbua, a member of the APC transition team, the party alleged that Obaseki is converting Senior Special Assistants (SSAs) and Special Assistants (SAs) into civil servants, despite previously resisting recruitment efforts to fill vacant civil service positions. Afegbua claimed that in September, Obaseki appointed 186 aides, with plans to absorb another 152, potentially straining the state’s resources.
Afegbua asserted that this move appears to be a strategy to burden the incoming administration with extensive recurrent expenses, while Edo is already weighed down by a significant debt. He noted that Obaseki delayed establishing a Civil Service Commission until just two weeks before his departure.
“This act places a heavy financial load on the incoming administration of Senator Monday Okpebholo,” Afegbua stated, warning that any improperly appointed individuals would face review under the new leadership.
