Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has taken decisive action by dismissing the Managing Director of the Edo State Geographic Information Service (EDOGIS), Dr. Tony Ikpasajah, following an unauthorized land revocation controversy.
Unauthorized Land Revocation Sparks Dismissal
The dramatic removal of Dr. Ikpasajah stems from his unilateral decision to revoke 13,545 hectares of land belonging to Presco Plc in Ologbo, located within Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State. Government insiders revealed that Governor Okpebholo was particularly embarrassed that he had not been properly briefed about the sensitive land matter before action was taken.
According to official sources, the state government had invoked Sections 28 and 38 of the Constitution to revoke the Presco land through an advertorial published on Wednesday. However, barely 24 hours later, the Secretary to the Edo State Government, Musa Ikhilor, publicly disowned the action, stating that Dr. Ikpasajah had acted without proper authorization.
Government Condemns Unilateral Action
In a strongly worded statement, the state government clarified that the former EDOGIS chief had acted "unilaterally, without authorisation, and in complete disregard for established procedures". The administration also noted that Dr. Ikpasajah had misrepresented the actual number of hectares intended for excision from PRESCO PLC's total landholding.
The government has since issued an official termination letter to Dr. Ikpasajah, formally relieving him of his appointment. Meanwhile, a formal administrative review has been initiated to address the unauthorized actions and strengthen internal controls within the government agency to prevent similar breaches in the future.
Civil Service Reforms: Merit-Based Appointments
In related developments, the Edo State government has announced significant reforms in the civil service appointment process. Deputy Governor Hon. Dennis Idahosa revealed that the appointment of Permanent Secretaries will now be strictly based on merit rather than political imposition.
Speaking during an expanded breakfast meeting with Heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies at the New Festival Hall in Government House, Idahosa emphasized that the era of appointing non-career civil servants as Permanent Secretaries has ended.
"There was a time when consultants were used as permanent secretaries in the state. Governor Monday Okpebholo changed this narrative, and many civil servants have been elevated to positions of permanent secretaries," Idahosa stated.
The Deputy Governor assured civil servants of proper career progression, noting that the Okpebholo administration is committed to righting perceived wrongs of previous governments. He stressed that the governor's SHINE Agenda cannot succeed without the active input and impact of professional civil servants.
The breakfast meeting provided a platform for direct communication between political leadership and civil servants, aiming to build synergy in improving the state workforce and service delivery to Edo citizens.
