On Wednesday, Philip Shaibu, the reinstated deputy governor of Edo State, publicly distanced himself from the official inauguration of the new chairman and members of the Edo State Civil Service Commission, an event orchestrated by Governor Godwin Obaseki. Shaibu articulated his concerns through a statement in which he highlighted the impropriety of this move, given that there are only 27 days remaining in his and the governor’s tenure. He criticized Obaseki for failing to adequately utilize the previous Civil Service Commission and for opting to create a new one at such a critical juncture, implying that the governor’s motivations were questionable and perhaps even politically opportunistic.
Moreover, Shaibu drew attention to the fact that under Obaseki’s administration, the functions that traditionally fall under the Civil Service Commission have been outsourced to private consultants. This shift indicates a possible neglect of administrative responsibilities that should inherently belong to the commission, thus raising significant concerns about governance quality and efficiency. The deputy governor’s statement underscores a broader need for accountability in how the state’s civil service operates, especially as the commission is foundational to transparent public service operations.
In a further shocking revelation, Shaibu alluded to the improper vetting of the newly appointed chairman of the commission, claiming that the individual lacks the essential qualifications for the role. This claim directly accuses the Edo State House of Assembly of failing to uphold standards of qualification and integrity in its screening process, thereby calling into question the legitimacy of the entire appointment. As this situation unfolds, the implications of such a flawed appointment can severely undermine public trust in the state’s governance and civil service framework.
Additionally, Shaibu expressed alarm regarding what he deemed clandestine and hasty appointments made by Governor Obaseki following the last electoral cycle. He claimed that there are indications these appointments were backdated, implying a deliberate attempt to manipulate administrative processes for personal or political advantage. Such practices pose risks not only to the candidates involved but also to the integrity of the civil service and its adherence to due process, which is vital in maintaining public confidence in government operations.
In light of these developments, Shaibu cautioned the newly appointed members of the commission to exercise extreme caution, labeling these appointments as potentially harmful “Greek gifts.” His warning suggests that accepting these positions could lead to legal and professional repercussions, drawing on a specific reference to a previous incident involving an Appointee of the Okuogbellagbe of Okpella. This analogy aims to shed light on the precarious nature of accepting appointments without a clear and legitimate process, reinforcing the need for conscious decision-making among the appointees.
Finally, Shaibu’s statement serves as a rallying cry for the people of Edo State and all stakeholders involved to recognize the threat posed by these questionable appointments to the principles of good governance. He reiterated his steadfast commitment to legal and ethical standards in public service, indicating that he would continue to advocate for transparency and adherence to process until the last day of his tenure. By doing so, Shaibu aims to ensure that all activities within the state’s civil service reflect legality and accountability, representing a critical stance in the ongoing discourse surrounding governance in Edo State.
