Okpebholo Dissolves Boards’ Executives, Sacks Political Appointees In Edo

The newly sworn-in Governor of Edo State, Sunday Okpebholo has announced the dissolution of executives of all boards in Edo State.

A statement by his Chief Press Secretary on Wednesday said the governor has also sacked all political appointees, adding that permanent secretaries appointed from outside the state’s public service have equally been relieved of their appointments.

“It is hereby announced for the information of the General Public that the Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, 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.”

Okpebholo had earlier ordered the immediate and indefinite suspension of the collection of all revenues in the state, especially in motor parks and others until further notice.

He also ordered the state commissioner of police to arrest anyone who flouts the order, adding that 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.”

Okpebholo was sworn in as the governor of Edo on Tuesday, marking an end to the eight-year stint of Godwin Obaseki at the helm of affairs in the South-South state.

The ceremony took place at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, the state capital, two months after the All Progressives Congress (APC) clinched the ticket to the Dennis Osadebe House.

Okpebholo took his oath of office alongside his running mate Dennis Idahosa around 12:55 pm, and thereafter rode in an open van around the stadium, waving to cheers from supporters.