Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has dissolved the executives of all boards, agencies, and parastatals in the state public service, just 24 hours after taking office.
This directive affects all permanent secretaries appointed from outside the civil service and political appointees of former Governor Godwin Obaseki.
The governor’s sweeping changes also include ordering contractors to return to sites and fix failed portions within the Benin metropolis. Additionally, Okpebholo has suspended the collection of all revenues in the state, particularly in motor parks, until further notice.
In a statement, Chief Press Secretary Fred Itua announced that affected appointees must hand over government properties to the most senior public officers in their respective ministries, departments, and agencies.
The statement read, “It is hereby announced for the information of the general public that the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has approved the dissolution of executives of all boards, agencies and parastatals in Edo State Public Service with immediate effect.
“In addition, all permanent secretaries appointed from outside the state public/civil service and all political appointees are hereby relieved of their appointments.
“Accordingly, all affected appointees are to hand over all government properties in their possession to the most senior public officer in their respective ministries, departments and agencies.”
Another statement read, “The Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has ordered the immediate and indefinite suspension of the collection of all revenues in Edo, especially in motor parks and others, until further notice.
“The governor said he would review the issues surrounding the collections soon and decide on the way forward.
“The collection of revenues in the state has been suspended indefinitely. Anyone seen collecting revenues on behalf of the state government will be arrested.
“The Commissioner of Police is hereby ordered to arrest anyone who flouts the order and collects any kind of revenues on behalf of the state government.
“The governor will soon address the issues and concerns raised. He will issue new directives soon. Until then, no one is authorised to collect revenues on behalf of the state government.”