Okpebholo Orders Review of Employment under Obaseki from May

The newly appointed Chairman of the Edo State Public Service Commission, Okpebholo, has ordered a comprehensive review of all employment appointments made in the state since May 2023, during the tenure of Governor Godwin Obaseki.

This directive comes in response to growing concerns regarding the transparency and legitimacy of various hires and appointments made within the Edo State government, particularly in the public service sector.

Okpebholo’s decision to initiate a review was announced during a press conference in Benin City, where he emphasized the importance of ensuring that all appointments made within the state government meet the required legal, ethical, and procedural standards.

The review will focus on positions across various government agencies, ministries, and departments, including those in the civil service, parastatals, and other public bodies.

Why the Review Is Necessary

The review is being conducted to address concerns that have emerged over the hiring process under the leadership of Governor Obaseki.

Several sources within the Edo State government have raised questions about the fairness, due process, and transparency of some appointments made over the past several months.

There have been reports of nepotism, favoritism, and questionable qualifications for certain positions, which have led to dissatisfaction among public servants and members of the public alike.

Okpebholo, who took office earlier this year, stated that one of his primary objectives as Chairman of the Public Service Commission is to restore public trust in the state’s employment process.

According to him, the review will ensure that all recent appointments were made in line with Edo State’s employment regulations and guidelines and that qualified individuals were selected for roles based on merit and the needs of the government.

“We want to make sure that everyone who was hired during this period meets the necessary qualifications and has been appointed following our public service rules.

This is part of our commitment to ensuring transparency, fairness, and accountability in the recruitment process,” Okpebholo explained during the announcement.

Implications for Affected Employees

The review of appointments could have significant implications for individuals who have been hired by the Obaseki administration in recent months.

Those found to have been appointed without following due process or lacking the necessary qualifications may face job reassessments or even dismissal.

However, Okpebholo made it clear that the goal is not to target individuals but rather to ensure that the state’s employment practices are above board.

The review process will involve examining employment records, recruitment procedures, and the qualifications of individuals who were hired from May 2023 to the present.

This will also include evaluating the fairness of the selection processes and whether all legal requirements were adhered to during recruitment. Okpebholo has assured the public that any necessary corrective actions will be taken under the law.

“We are not here to punish individuals, but to restore confidence in the integrity of our public service system,” he said. “If any discrepancies or irregularities are found, we will take the appropriate actions to ensure that the state’s recruitment processes align with the principles of transparency and fairness.”

Political and Administrative Context

Governor Obaseki’s administration has been marked by efforts to reform the public service sector in Edo State, including the restructuring of various government agencies and the streamlining of the recruitment process.

However, the issue of employment practices has remained a contentious one, with critics alleging that some political appointees have been placed in key positions without proper vetting or consideration of merit.

The timing of Okpebholo’s review also reflects broader political dynamics within the state. Obaseki’s second term in office has seen tensions between different factions within the state’s political structure, with various interest groups accusing the governor of sidelining certain political elites in favor of his allies.

Okpebholo’s move to initiate a review of employment decisions could be viewed as an attempt to assert control over the state’s public service appointments and ensure that they are made based on objective criteria.

Public Reaction and Concerns

The public’s reaction to the review has been mixed. Supporters of the governor’s administration have expressed confidence in Okpebholo’s ability to clean up the public service and ensure that only the most qualified individuals are appointed to government positions. They argue that this will help improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the state’s institutions.

On the other hand, some critics of the Obaseki administration have raised concerns that the review may be used as a political tool to settle scores and target specific individuals aligned with the governor’s opponents.

These critics argue that the process should be handled with caution to avoid unnecessary disruptions and ensure that the review is conducted fairly.

Several civil society groups have also weighed in on the issue, calling for the review to be transparent and inclusive. They have emphasized the importance of involving relevant stakeholders, including labor unions and other interest groups, in the process to ensure that it is carried out in a way that reflects the interests of all citizens of Edo State.

Next Steps in the Review Process

The next step in the review process will involve the establishment of a committee to oversee the examination of employment records and the review of recruitment procedures.

Okpebholo stated that this committee will be tasked with conducting a thorough investigation and will provide regular updates to the public on its progress.

The committee will also be responsible for recommending any corrective actions or reforms that may be needed to improve the state’s recruitment practices going forward.

“We are committed to doing this the right way. The process will be transparent, and we will ensure that everyone has the opportunity to be heard,” Okpebholo affirmed.

The review is expected to take several months to complete, and its findings will be made available to the public. The Edo State government has also promised to implement any necessary reforms based on the results of the review, with the goal of ensuring that the state’s public service is efficient, transparent, and accountable.

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