Last-Minute Moves? APC Alleges Obaseki’s Conversion Of Aides Into Civil Service Roles

The All Progressives Congress (APC) transition committee has accused outgoing Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, of converting political appointees into full-time civil servants just six days before the end of his tenure. The governor-elect, Monday Okpebholo, is set to assume office following his election victory in September…CONTINUE READING…

In a statement from APC transition committee member Prince Kassim Afegbua, made in Benin City on Wednesday, he alleged that Senior Special Assistants (SSAs) and Special Assistants (SAs) were being absorbed into the civil service, calling this move “wicked” and a “disservice” to the incoming administration.

Afegbua stated that 186 such appointees had been added in September 2024, with an additional 152 currently undergoing conversion. He argued that civil service recruitment should follow due process and be based on necessity.

“It has come to our attention that Governor Obaseki is converting SSAs and SAs into full-time civil servants,” Afegbua’s statement read. “For eight years, he failed to recruit for vacant positions or establish a Civil Service Commission until two weeks ago, at the end of his administration.”

Afegbua warned that these late appointments would burden the incoming administration with extensive salary and overhead costs, adding that any staff appointed through improper procedures or with backdated appointments would face dismissal.