Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State have called on Governor Monday Okpebholo to immediately redeploy Government House staff who worked under the administration of former governor Godwin Obaseki.
Speaking under the aegis of Edo APC Leaders of Thought, the group argued that retaining these staff members poses a security risk to the new administration.
Concerns Over Staff Loyalty and Information Leaks
Addressing the issue, Momodu Adams, who spoke on behalf of the group, noted that many of the civil servants in the Edo Government House had served Obaseki throughout his eight-year tenure and remain loyal to him.
He stressed the need for an urgent reshuffling, beginning with Permanent Secretary Edith Sede, down to other key personnel, including caterers, procurement officers, accountants, and drivers.
The call for redeployment comes amid allegations of leaked official documents from Government House, which Adams claims have been passed on to PDP leaders, particularly Osarodion Ogie (former Secretary to the State Government) and Asue Ighodalo, who are reportedly working to challenge Okpebholo’s victory at the Election Tribunal.
Allegations of Sabotage
Adams further alleged that some Government House staff, whom he described as Obaseki’s loyalists, are actively working against Okpebholo’s administration.
He cited instances where:
- Event planning at the Government House still involves individuals loyal to Obaseki and the PDP.
- Cooks, protocol officers, and administrative staff from the past government are still in place.
- Files and documents meant for the governor are being withheld or delayed.
- The governor’s retainership with media houses has not been processed, leading to potential bad press.
Urgent Call for Action
Adams warned that if the situation is not urgently addressed, it could lead to further leaks and administrative sabotage, potentially damaging the new administration’s public image.
“We are worried. There are deliberate attempts to frustrate Governor Okpebholo’s government. If these issues persist, it could lead to serious political and governance challenges,” he said.
