Fijabi Olanrewaju
REINSTATED deputy governor of Edo State, Comrade Philip Shaibu has alleged that his principal, Governor Godwin Obaseki is making backdated appointments into Edo State civil and public service, this is even as he urged the appointees to exercise extreme caution as according to him, the appointments “are only but a trap”
In a post on his Facebook page earlier today, Comrade Shaibu also dissociated himself and his office from the recent inauguration of the new Chairman and members of the Edo State Civil Service Commission by Governor Godwin Obaseki with barely 27 days left in office.
According to him: “What is even more shocking is the discovery that the individual reportedly screened by the Edo State House of Assembly for the Chairman position lacks the basic qualifications and does not even meet the criteria for the role. This raises serious questions about the integrity of the process.
“I am equally alarmed by Mr Governor’s clandestine appointments into the state civil and public service, made hastily after the last election, with reports indicating backdated appointments. I urge the purported appointees to exercise extreme caution, as these appointments are only but a trap.”
Comrade Shaibu, who has had a running battle with his principal in the run-up to the recently held governorship election in the state which saw the emergence of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo as the winner, said it was appalling that Governor Obaseki, who failed to utilise the last Civil Service Commission, is now inaugurating a new one.
Comrade Shaibu maintains that: “under his (Governor Godwin Obaseki’s) watch, private consultants have been handling activities that naturally fall within the Civil Service Commission’s purview, such as appointments into the state civil and public service”.
Speaking further, he said: “The people of Edo State must be aware that these appointments undermine due process, transparency, and good governance. I reiterate my commitment to upholding the law and protecting Edo State’s interest until the last day in office.
“To the appointees, I warn: beware of these ‘Greek gifts’ that may land you in trouble, as seen in the case of the Okuogbellagbe of Okpella. I urge all stakeholders to reconsider their positions and uphold legality and accountability.”
Eighteen-Eleven Media reports that Mr Shaibu who has since dumped the People’s Democratic Partty (PDP) and returned to the APC was removed from office by the Edo State House of Assembly. But he was later ordered reinstated by a court of law.
Eighteen-Eleven Media