Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has issued an indefinite suspension of all civil service recruitment processes in the state.
This decision comes amid allegations of irregularities in the recruitment exercises carried out by various government agencies.
The announcement was contained in a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Musa Ikhilor, and shared by Fred Itua, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, on Friday.
According to the governor, preliminary investigations revealed that certain ministries, departments, and agencies had engaged in unauthorized hiring practices, including the issuance of backdated employment letters.
“Reports reaching my office indicate that some commissions, boards, and agencies have been involved in clandestine recruitment activities,” the governor stated.
“These bodies have been issuing employment letters to individuals without adhering to due process. This is unacceptable.”
To address the alleged misconduct, Governor Okpebholo has ordered a comprehensive review of all recruitment exercises conducted between May and November 2024, during the tenure of the previous administration led by Governor Godwin Obaseki.
“Our administration is firmly committed to fairness and equity. Employment opportunities must be merit-based, competitive, and open to all Edo indigenes,” the statement added.
The directive emphasized the need for strict compliance by all MDAs. “Heads of ministries, departments, and agencies are advised to take note and comply with this directive,” the notice added.
