The newly sworn-in Governor of Edo State, Sunday Okpebholo, has announced the dissolution of all executive boards, agencies, and parastatals within the state’s public service.
This significant restructuring was communicated in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary on Wednesday.
The statement indicated that all political appointees, as well as permanent secretaries 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, Sunday Okpebholo, has approved the dissolution of executives of all boards, agencies, and parastatals in the Edo State Public Service with immediate effect,” the statement read.
Affected appointees are instructed to hand over all government properties in their possession to the most senior public officer in their respective ministries, departments, and agencies.
In addition to these changes, Okpebholo has ordered an immediate and indefinite suspension of all revenue collection across the state, particularly in motor parks. He emphasized that anyone found collecting revenues on behalf of the state government will be arrested. “The Commissioner of Police is hereby ordered to arrest anyone who flouts the order,” he stated, adding that he would soon review the revenue collection processes and issue further directives.
Okpebholo’s inauguration marks the end of Godwin Obaseki’s eight-year tenure as governor. The ceremony took place at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, two months after the All Progressives Congress (APC) secured the gubernatorial ticket.
Shortly after taking his oath of office alongside his running mate, Dennis Idahosa, Okpebholo celebrated by riding in an open van around the stadium, greeting cheering supporters.
