Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State are calling on Governor Monday Okpebholo to promptly redeploy staff at the Government House who previously served under former Governor Godwin Obaseki.
The group, known as the Edo APC Leaders of Thought, expressed concerns that retaining these staff members poses a security risk.
Momodu Adams, the group’s spokesperson, emphasized the necessity of this action, stating that many civil servants have developed strong ties to Obaseki during his eight-year tenure. He highlighted the urgent need for a comprehensive staff overhaul, beginning with Permanent Secretary Mrs. Edith Sede and extending to all personnel, including caterers.
Adams pointed to recent incidents involving the leak of official memos as a significant concern, urging Okpebholo to reconsider the current staffing. He noted that Sede is a known loyalist of Obaseki and former Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie, and is still collaborating with civil servants from the previous administration.
“The situation is frustrating for Okpebholo’s appointees,” Adams remarked, alleging that certain staff members loyal to Obaseki are actively undermining the new administration.
He claimed that during state events, Sede engages individuals affiliated with the PDP and Obaseki for catering and other arrangements, retaining cooks from Obaseki’s administration, which he described as causing “serious disarray.”
Adams expressed alarm over the potential ramifications of the current staff situation, stating, “APC leaders are worried about the development because some persons are leaking official documents to PDP leaders, especially Ogie and Asue Ighodalo, who are trying to overturn the victory of Governor Okpebholo at the Tribunal.”
He further warned that if immediate action is not taken, the administration could face significant challenges. “All protocol officers in Government House, including those who serve tea to Governor Okpebholo, are loyalists of Obaseki,” he added, noting that the majority of the staff who worked under Obaseki remain in their positions.
Adams concluded by addressing concerns regarding the media’s perception of the new administration, stating, “We understand that media houses and journalists in Edo State are losing patience with Governor Okpebholo’s administration. When the media starts its own war with the new administration, it will mess it up, and that is what some people want.”