The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State has expressed outrage and disappointment over the sacking of civil servants in the State, yesterday, by the newly inaugurated governor, Monday Okpebholo.
The party in a statement by former commissioner for Orientation and Communication, now spokesperson for the party, Chris Nehikhare, said many of the dismissed workers were left in uncertain conditions, plunging numerous families and dependents into a sudden state of disarray amid the current economic challenges.
Describing the move as callous, reckless and unjust, the PDP spokesman said the action is a troubling sign of what may lie ahead under the new administration.
“This is as various stakeholders in the State, including civil and public servants, labour unions, civil society groups and non-governmental organizations continue to lambast the governor for the action which they say is inhumane and utterly insensitive.”
According to PDP, the government’s harsh start is a direct assault on Edo workers and the people of the state.
The Edo PDP noted, “This is totally condemnable and unacceptable. How can a governor begin to sack workers in the State barely 24 hours after he was sworn in? This callous and rash action of the governor is a direct assault on workers and the people of the State, and we condemn it in its entirety.
It is reminiscent of the dark days of the military when after they illegally takeover power, they begin to sack and dismiss civil and public servants, using words such as “with immediate effect and automatic alacrity.
“Could this just be the beginning of the harsh and inhumane policies and decisions we are to see under the new administration of Monday Okpebholo? Is this a sad tale sign of what the government portends for the people of Edo State? If this is how the governor begins his first day in office, what hope do we have for the months ahead? How can a governor kick off his administration by throwing families into hardship?” he queried.
“This is the height of wickedness and insensitivity and does not bode well for our State,” Nehikhare added.
Nehikhare pondered if the governor is desirious of bringing home to Edo State, the suffering and hardship already inflicted on the country and its people by the APC government at the centre.
“It’s clear that this administration has no regard for the welfare of workers and ordinary citizens because how do you begin your tenure by throwing families into poverty?
“I think Okpebholo is only bringing home to Edo State the suffering and hardship already inflicted on the country and its people by the APC government at the centre. We should not be surprised but expect more of such harsh and insane actions to impoverish the people further,” Nehikhare added.
Meanwhile, a Benin based social cultural organisation, named Aigbedo Progressive Alliance has raised concern over appointments made by Okpebholo so far.
They said the Edo South senatorial district deserves more slots because of its huge population and resources.
Recall that Okpebholo had announced Barrister Musa Ikhilor as the Secretary to the State Government, (SGG), Dr Samson Osagie as the State Attorney -General and Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole (Health) as Commissioner -designate and Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua.
President of the group, Engr. Carl Uyiosa Otokiti, said the Southern senatorial district of the state should brace for vendetta and marginalisation if the recent appointments by the governor are anything to go by.
Faulting the four appointments by the governor, Otokiti, in a statement, reminded Okpebholo of his campaign promise to populate with Edo based politicians.
He said, “We are constrained to remind you, as you are undoubtedly aware that, your administration started on the note of vendetta against Edo South political stakeholders in the manner you shared four political appointments and reduced Edo South the most populated senatorial district with the most critical natural resources – at par with Edo North senatorial district in allocation of a ministerial slot to each district.
“For context, four appointments were made on your first day, they are Chief Press Secretary, Secretary to the State Government, Commissioners for Health, and Commissioner for Justice.
“The first two appointments were given to your Edo Central senatorial district which is the least populated and without natural resources; while the last two slots were shared between Edo North and Edo South districts respectively.
“Apart from slighting Edo South Politicians as the two commissioner designates are Adams Oshiomhole biological son, speaks volume of political patronage to a man you hailed during your inauguration as ‘the godfather’, more than an altruistic desire to serve the larger interest of Edo people. This is most unfortunate.
“Despite your campaign promise to populate your administration with Edo based tacticians, of the four appointees, only Samson Osagie is Edo based, the remaining three were completely silent to the torrents of your gubernatorial campaign trails. This is another deviation from what you promised Edo people,” he said.
