Edo State Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu has distanced himself from Governor Godwin Obaseki’s recent appointments to the Civil Service Commission. With less than a month left in their administration, Shaibu’s statement has sparked questions about the integrity and legality of these last-minute decisions.
On Wednesday, Shaibu issued a strong statement disowning Obaseki’s decision to inaugurate a new Chairman and Members of the Edo State Civil Service Commission. Shaibu, who has had a strained relationship with the governor in recent months, expressed his deep concern about the timing and the process of these appointments.
In his statement, which he personally signed, the deputy governor described the moves as shocking and appalling. He pointed out that despite having four years to make such appointments, the governor is now acting in the last 27 days of their tenure. Shaibu questioned the reasoning behind this sudden rush, especially considering the fact that the Civil Service Commission had been largely inactive during their administration.
Shaibu revealed that the duties that should have been managed by the Civil Service Commission were instead handled by private consultants. These consultants, he explained, were involved in processes such as appointments into the state’s civil and public service, a role that traditionally belongs to the Commission.
“This is a blatant disregard for the role of the Civil Service Commission,” Shaibu said in his statement. “Private consultants have taken over the responsibilities that should have been carried out by the Commission, and now, with less than a month left, these rushed appointments are being made.”
In a more pointed criticism, the deputy governor raised concerns about the qualifications of the person appointed as Chairman of the Edo State Civil Service Commission. According to Shaibu, the individual who was screened by the Edo State House of Assembly lacks the necessary qualifications and fails to meet the criteria for the role.
“I am deeply troubled by the process and the individual chosen for this critical position,” Shaibu stated. “The Chairman of the Civil Service Commission should be someone with the right qualifications, experience, and integrity. This appointment does not reflect that.”
Beyond the issue of qualifications, Shaibu condemned what he described as “clandestine appointments” into the state’s civil and public service. He accused Governor Obaseki of making these appointments hastily, after the recent elections, and suggested that some of these appointments were backdated to give them a sense of legitimacy.
“These appointments are being made in a way that undermines due process, transparency, and good governance,” Shaibu said. “The backdating of appointments is particularly concerning because it raises questions about the integrity of the entire process.”
Shaibu issued a warning to those who have been appointed in this manner, advising them to be cautious. He suggested that the legality of their appointments could be challenged and that they should consider the implications of taking up roles that may not have been made through a transparent process.
“I urge the purported appointees to exercise extreme caution,” the deputy governor said. “These appointments are not only hasty but also undermine the principles of good governance. They may face legal challenges down the line.”
Despite his strong criticism of the recent actions taken by Governor Obaseki, Shaibu emphasized that he remains committed to upholding the law and protecting the interests of Edo State until the very last day of their administration. He reassured the public that he will continue to work in the best interests of the people of Edo State, even as their tenure comes to a close.
“I will continue to serve the people of Edo State with integrity and commitment,” Shaibu stated. “It is my duty to protect the state’s interest and to ensure that all actions taken during our time in office are in line with the law.”
The relationship between Governor Obaseki and his deputy has been strained for months. Their political differences have played out in the public eye, with Shaibu challenging Obaseki’s leadership decisions on multiple occasions. This latest move by Shaibu to distance himself from the governor’s appointments further underscores the growing divide between the two leaders.
Observers have noted that this public disagreement could have lasting implications for the political landscape in Edo State, especially as both Obaseki and Shaibu prepare to leave office. While Shaibu has made it clear that he opposes the recent appointments, it remains to be seen whether any action will be taken to reverse them or whether the appointments will stand as Governor Obaseki’s final decisions in office.
In light of these developments, Shaibu called on all stakeholders in the state to reconsider their positions and ensure that their actions are guided by legality and accountability. He stressed that the long-term stability of Edo State depends on maintaining transparent and lawful governance, even in the final days of an administration.
“All stakeholders must uphold legality and accountability in their dealings,” Shaibu urged. “We owe it to the people of Edo State to ensure that governance remains transparent and that due process is followed at all times.”
As the clock ticks down on the current administration’s time in office, political watchers in Edo State are closely monitoring the situation. The deputy governor’s strong stance against the appointments has added a new layer of complexity to the state’s political dynamics.
