Gov. Godwin Obaseki of Edo state

Jethro Ibileke/Benin

Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State on Wednesday suspended top officials of Egor Local Government Council over alleged dereliction of duty and coming late to work.

Those affected were the Head of Service, Mrs. Rachel Oriefo and all Heads of Departments of the council for the same offense.

The Governor gave the order for their suspension owhen he paid an unscheduled visit to the Council secretariat in Uselu, Benin City.

He was said to have arrived at the secretariat as early as 8:20 am and discovered that some of the staff, incliding the Head of Service and other Heads of various departments were yet to arrive their offices.

It was learnt that immediately the Governor arrived the Council secretariat for on-the-spot assessment of the workers’ attitude to their work, directed that the gates be shut against those who were yet to report at their duty posts.

It was further gathered that some of the staff who arrived earlier, began making calls to others who were yet to arrive, informing them of the presence of their unexpected guest.

Obaseki who was said to have been angered by the development, became more infuriated when the HoS arrived at about 9 am while he was addressing members of staff of the Council and he ordered him out of the hall.

The governor also mandated officials of the Council to make it viable in the next three months.

The governor was accompanied on the visit by the Chairman of Edo State Local Government Service Commission, Dr. Simon Imuekemhe and a former Deputy Governor and APC leader in Egor, Mr. Lucky Imasuen.