The Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has strongly criticized outgoing Governor Godwin Obaseki over his recent decisions, including converting numerous former political aides and staff from his private firm, Afrinvest, into the state’s Civil Service.
The APC claims these appointments were made unilaterally without following established civil service protocols, creating potential issues for the incoming administration of Governor-elect Monday Okpebholo.
In a statement by the state APC chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, the party accused Obaseki of taking last-minute actions to burden the new government. The APC noted that Obaseki bypassed standard procedures by failing to declare vacancies and neglecting the oversight role of the Edo State Civil Service Commission.
The party described these moves as violations of Obaseki’s oath of office, amounting to economic sabotage and undermining the integrity of the state’s workforce by filling positions with his personal associates.
Further, the APC highlighted Obaseki’s formation of a committee to introduce a new minimum wage of N85,000 for state workers. The party argued that this was an attempt to create industrial disputes for the incoming administration, especially since Obaseki has not fully implemented the previously approved N70,000 minimum wage set by the APC-led Federal Government.
The party also pointed to ongoing investigations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) into key officials within Obaseki’s administration, alleging that the governor had compromised the state’s financial interests for personal gain.
The APC accused him of rushing to commission incomplete projects in Benin City, suggesting that these activities were designed to justify inflated contract sums and siphon state funds through exaggerated project costs.
In response, Chris Nehikhare, the Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, dismissed the APC’s criticisms. He advised the party to focus on preparing for governance instead of complaining about Obaseki’s actions.
Nehikhare assured Edo residents that the state treasury would have a healthy balance by the time the new administration takes office. He encouraged the incoming government to “roll up their sleeves” and get ready to work, noting that any concerns about finances would be addressed with the upcoming allocation from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).
