With just 40 days remaking in Governor Godwin Obaseki’s administration, a dispute has emerged between the state government and reinstated Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu regarding allegations public property misappropriation by political appointees.
Reports indicate that state officials and Shaibu have clashed over a circular he issued to permanent secretaries, departments, and agencies, advising them to safeguard government assets from potential lotting by political appointees.
Dated October 4, 2024, the circular, signed by the reinstated deputy governor cautioned that they would be held accountable by the incoming administration for any assets reported missing during their tenure.
According to the Deputy governor, “As our administration ends in a few weeks, I have issued a stern warning to Permanent Secretaries, Heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to guard against the looting of government properties by political appointees, as they would be held accountable by the incoming administration for May assets missing under their watch.”
”The Permanent Secretaries and Directors must know that it is their responsibility to protect the properties because these political aides (Secretary to the State Government, Chief of Staff, Commissioners, Special Advisers/Assistants, bd Senior Special Advisers/Assistants) are government appointees who are also leaving on November 11.”
”So, the failure of Permanent Secretaries and heads of the MDAs to act means they will be held ready for giving an account of their inventories. Removing fixed items and government properties is a crime and unacceptable.”
He also added, “Permanent Secretaries and Heads of MDAs should, therefore, guard against such criminality or face consequences. All political appointees must equally desist from such actions, which may land them in trouble.”
In response, Crusoe Osagie, Special Adviser to Governor Godwin Obaseki on Media Projects, urged Permsnent Secretaries and Head of Departments and Agencies to ignore the circular. Osagie emphasized that Shaibu lack the authority to issue directives or warning to Permanent Secretaries and reminded that he remains impeached as the deputy governor of Edo State pending the Court’s Decision.
”Our attention has been drawn to the very ridiculous statement purportedly signed by the impeached deputy governor, Philip Shaibu, in which he warned Permanent Secretaries and Heads of MDAs to guard against the looting of government properties by political appointees.”
”We want to restate that Philip Shaibu remains impeached as the deputy governor of Edo State until the determination of the court and therefore lacks the power and authority to issue directives or warnings to Permanent Secretaries, Head of MDAs, or any staff under the employ of the Edo State Government.”
”We urge all Edo workers to disregard the infantile remaking’s of the impeached deputy governor and continue with their lawful duties without fear of intimidation and harassment while ensuring the delivery of quality and effective service to the people of Edo State.”