Edo State Governor Monday Okpeboro has dismissed allegations that he sacked civil servants hired under the administration of former Governor Godwin Obaseki.
Naija News reports that the Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) issued a statement on Thursday through its interim spokesperson, Mr. Chris Nehikare, expressing disappointment over the “dismissal” of the civil servant.
Mr Nehikale said this development was completely reprehensible and unacceptable, adding that many of the “laid-off workers” were left in precarious situations and unable to survive in the current economic hardship. He emphasized that many families and dependents have been thrown into sudden turmoil.
He said the government’s tough start showed it had no regard for the welfare of workers and the public.
“This is completely reprehensible and unacceptable. How can a governor begin laying off workers in the state just 24 hours after taking office? This callous and thoughtless action by the governor,” the statement said. is a direct attack on workers and the people of our state, and we condemn it in its entirety.
“This is reminiscent of the dark days when the military, after illegally seizing power, began firing civil servants and civil servants using phrases such as “immediately and automatically”.
“Is this just the beginning of the harsh and inhumane policies and decisions that we will see under the new Okpeboro administration on Monday? This is the sad story that the government portends for the people of Edo. Could it be a sign?
“If this is how a governor begins his first day in office, what hope does it give us for the next few months? How could a governor start his administration by leaving families in dire straits?” he asked. asked.
“This is the height of evil and insensitivity, and it does not bode well for our country.
“It’s clear that this government has no regard for the welfare of workers or the general public, because you don’t start your term by plunging families into poverty.
“I think Okpeboro is just bringing back to Edo State the pain and suffering already inflicted on the country and its people by the central APC government. We should not be surprised but such harsh and insane We expect more acts to occur and people to be pushed further into poverty.”
Reacting to the PDP’s claims, the Edo State government in a statement on Thursday through the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua, said that no civil servant had been fired.
He said those asked to leave were political appointees from the state’s last government.
“For the record, the statement issued by the Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebolo, on Wednesday did not dismiss any civil servants,” Itua said. Moreover, no governor fires public servants based on media announcements.
“Those who were asked to leave were the appointees of the last government in the state.The PDP, a sectarian political party in Edo State, is out of touch and its members need to be meaningfully engaged.
“Those appointed to the state civil service have nothing to fear, but if you are a product of the last memorandum government and were appointed by Obaseki, the rule of law must be upheld. ”
