Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo suspended recruitment into the state’s civil service on Friday until further notice.

The governor also ordered the review of all recruitments carried out by former Governor Godwin Obaseki between May and November 2024.

A statement by the Secretary to State Government (SSG), Musa Ikhilor, accused heads of various ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) of carrying out clandestine recruitment into the state’s civil service.

“Preliminary investigation reveals that these bodies have continued to issue backdated letters of employment to their cronies without due process.

“For the avoidance of doubt, this administration believes in the principle of fairness and equity, which expects that all employment exercise should be merit-based, competitive, and accessible to all Edo indigenes.

“In light of the foregoing and in order to arrest this ugly trend, the governor has directed the immediate suspension of all employment processes.

“He also ordered the review of all appointments carried out since May 2024 by commissions, boards, parastatals, and agencies of government.

“Heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies are to note and comply with the above directive,” the statement said.

(NAN)