The newly inaugurated Governor of Edo State, Sunday Okpebholo, has announced the dissolution of all the state’s executive boards.
A statement from his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, on Wednesday revealed that the governor has dismissed all political appointees and that permanent secretaries who were appointed from outside the state’s public service have also been relieved of their positions.
“It is hereby announced for the information of the general public that the Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has sanctioned the dissolution of Executives of all Boards, Agencies, and Parastatals in the Edo State Public Service, effective immediately.
“Furthermore, all Permanent Secretaries appointed from outside the State Public/Civil Service and all Political Appointees are hereby dismissed from their roles.
“As a result, all affected officials are to return any Government properties they possess to the senior-most Public Officer in their corresponding Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.”
Okpebholo had previously mandated the immediate and indefinite halt of revenue collections in the state, particularly in motor parks and similar locations, until further notice.
He also instructed the state commissioner of police to detain anyone who breaches this order, noting that he would soon review the circumstances surrounding the collections and determine the subsequent steps.
“The collection of revenues in the state has been put on hold indefinitely. Anyone found collecting revenues on behalf of the State Government will face arrest.
“The Commissioner of Police is hereby directed to apprehend anyone who disobeys the order and collects any revenue for the State Government.
Okpebholo was sworn in as the governor of Edo on Tuesday, concluding Godwin Obaseki’s eight-year leadership in the southern Nigerian state.
