A NEW DAWN: EDO STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY SERVICE COMMISSION TAKES HISTORIC STEP












A NEW DAWN: EDO STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY SERVICE COMMISSION TAKES HISTORIC STEP

...AS SEVEN POLITICALLY WRONGED STAFF REINSTATED WITH BENEFITS

By Editor 

In a landmark event that marked a pivotal moment in the administrative evolution of the Edo State House of Assembly Service Commission, the inaugural plenary session convened under the distinguished leadership of the Commission Chairman, Hon. (Sir) Ezehi MD Igbas, held on Thursday (15th May 2025) in Benin City. 

The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as members, staff, the press, and the public gathered to witness what has been termed a “new era of transparency, inclusiveness, and reform in line with the agenda of HE Sen. Monday Okpebholo's administration. 

Opening the Gates to Progress

Hon. Igbas, in his opening remarks, warmly welcomed members of the commission to the session. He announced a policy shift that would see plenary meetings held monthly to deliberate on committee reports, petitions, staff development issues, and policy recommendations. Stressing the Commission’s legal authority to establish investigative and advisory committees, Hon. Igbas underscored the importance of the open-door policy as a bedrock of transparency and good governance.

He invited all stakeholders present to make thoughtful and constructive contributions, with the hope that decisions made would be widely accepted and reflective of the Commission’s new vision.

⸻

Tackling the Past: Justice for the Politically Victimized

The plenary delved into serious issues, beginning with the report from the Research and Investigation Committee chaired by Hon. Rev. Andrew Uwadia. A compelling case was presented concerning the wrongful dismissal of Mr. J. Ohiokhuobo and Mr. S. Haruna. Both had been accused of absconding from duty without permission—a claim they denied vehemently, alleging political victimization due to their roles as clerks during the controversial swearing-in of the G14 legislators.

Rev. Uwadia stated that their dismissal appeared to have been orchestrated on the orders of the immediate past administration. The committee, after thorough inquiry, recommended their immediate reinstatement, promotion, and payment of three months’ salary arrears.

Similarly, the cases of Mrs. Ego Aguinede and Mrs. Marian Edoror were highlighted, who were unjustly retired and dismissed under questionable circumstances, which they argued were politically motivated. The Commission adopted the committee’s recommendations for their reinstatement, payment of arrears, and in the case of Mrs. Marian Edoror, a promotion.

⸻

Promotion Disputes and Appointment Irregularities

The Commission also addressed the case of Mr. Bello Saheed, who had received a double promotion but was uncertain about his future promotion schedule. It was resolved that his next promotion would take effect from June 1, 2026, following the last promotion dated May 9, 2023.

Another peculiar case involved Mr. Ebegue Igho-Osagie, who presented two different appointment letters from the same year. After reviewing the discrepancies, the Commission nullified the second appointment (dated April 18, 2012) and upheld the first (dated February 14, 2012), promoting him accordingly and warning against administrative inconsistencies in appointment records.

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Tenders Board Committee: Infrastructure and Equipment Upgrade

Mrs. Isoken Olotu, Chairperson of the Tenders Board Committee, presented a comprehensive procurement and maintenance report. The report detailed approved projects aimed at improving staff accommodation and operational efficiency. These included roof replacements in various quarters and procurement of solar-powered infrastructure, TVs with accessories, HP printers, inverters, and a copier.

This strategic investment in infrastructure, Mrs. Olotu stated, was designed to boost staff morale and productivity across the Commission.

⸻

Union Rights and Legal Redress

A major win for labor rights emerged from the case of Mr. Micheal O. Amaize, Mr. Kadiri A. Ezelomeh, and Mr. Roland E. Eigbe—members of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN). All three had been dismissed due to union activities but were vindicated in court. The Commission endorsed their reinstatement, full promotion, and payment of all salary arrears, in addition to N500,000 in damages and N50,000 in general costs per individual.

⸻

Discipline, Attendance, and Structural Reform

The Commission, under the leadership of Hon. Ezehi Igbas, tackled the issue of absenteeism and lateness head-on. After a detailed attendance audit, several staff members were found to have no valid reasons for absenteeism. Disciplinary measures were implemented: those identified were ordered to sign in and out at the Executive Secretary’s office daily for two weeks. The committee also recommended comprehensive staff training to better understand procedures and administrative expectations.

In a related visitation exercise to departments in the legislative quarters at Ihama, several staff were commended for diligence, while others—particularly in the Department of Works—were flagged for lacking clear job descriptions. It was revealed that permissions were often granted verbally, prompting a call for systemic reform and proper documentation moving forward. Erring staff received verbal warnings, with a stern caution that future lapses would attract sanctions.

⸻

Ensuring Transparency

Also, the Adhoc-disciplinary committee set up to investigate series of petitions against the former secretary to the commission, Bar. Osahon Newton Ahunwan, headed by Hon. Henry Irene, explaining that Bar. Newton failed to provide satisfactory explanations on various discoveries. Which included;

• Fraudulent sewage disposal claims totaling ₦18 million with no physical evidence.
• Missing audit certificates amounting to ₦25.005 million, with only two out of fifteen certificates located.
• Award of contracts to unregistered companies with the Edo State Public Procurement Agency.

Bar. Newton who according to the committee chairman Hon. Irene could not provide satisfactory explanations was ordered to refund 10% of the misappropriated ₦18 million within one month into the Commission’s Bank Account and send an apology letter to the Commission. His transferred to another ministry was also approved.

⸻

A Strong Finish: A Message of Hope and Discipline

In his closing address, Hon. (Sir) Ezehi Igbas reaffirmed the Commission’s unwavering commitment to fairness, discipline, and reform. He emphasized that the Commission’s mandate was to protect all staff, regardless of how they were employed, but only if they adhered to the rules.

“Those who show dedication and punctuality,” he said, “will have the full protection of this Commission. But those who flout the laws and bring disrepute to this institution will be shown the way out.”

In a gesture of magnanimity, he forgave those who were absent without explanation during the Commission’s earlier visit, signaling a desire to move forward on a clean slate.

⸻

Conclusion:

The first plenary session of the Edo State House of Assembly Service Commission was a bold and ambitious step towards institutional reform, justice, and accountability. From reinstating the wrongly dismissed to exposing financial misconduct, this historic meeting demonstrated that a new era had truly begun—an era where service, not politics, would guide the Commission’s hand.

Imokhai Adomokhai
Esohe Ogieriaikhi

*INFORMATION OFFICERS*

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