1. Edo Assembly Commission Breaks Jinx, Recalls Politically Victimized Staff, Uncovers ₦43M Fraud

History was made on Thursday as the Edo State House of Assembly Service Commission convened its first plenary session under the leadership of Hon. (Sir) Ezehi MD Igbas, setting in motion wide-ranging reforms, reinstating unjustly dismissed staff, and unearthing cases of financial malpractice worth millions of naira.

Held at the Commission’s secretariat in Benin City, the session drew members of the public, staff, and media, marking what observers described as the dawn of a transparent, fair, and accountable administrative culture within the Assembly Service Commission.

MONTHLY DELIBERATIONS, TRANSPARENCY POLICY UNVEILED

Declaring the session open, Hon. Igbas announced a fresh operational model where plenary sittings would hold monthly, with the aim of reviewing committee submissions, addressing staff welfare, and considering policy improvements. He emphasized the Commission’s statutory powers to investigate, advise, and implement reforms, noting that the administration’s doors remain open for credible input from all stakeholders.

STAFF VICTIMIZED BY POLITICS CLEARED AND REINSTATED

The Commission wasted no time addressing past injustices as it deliberated on the report submitted by the Research and Investigation Committee, chaired by Hon. Rev. Andrew Uwadia. The report recommended the reinstatement of Mr. J. Ohiokhuobo and Mr. S. Haruna, who were dismissed over claims of unauthorized absence allegations revealed to be politically driven, tracing back to their involvement in the G14 legislators’ swearing-in.

Also recommended for reinstatement were Mrs. Ego Aguinede and Mrs. Marian Edoror, with the latter awarded a promotion following findings that their exit from service lacked merit and was politically engineered.

LONG-STANDING PROMOTION AND APPOINTMENT CASES SETTLED

The plenary session further resolved long-standing promotion disputes. Mr. Bello Saheed, a staff member with two rapid promotions, received a clear directive that his next elevation will take effect from June 1, 2026.

A curious case involving Mr. Ebegue Igho-Osagie, who presented two conflicting employment letters dated 2012, was also addressed. The Commission nullified the second letter and affirmed the authenticity of the first, adjusting his records accordingly and promoting him to his rightful grade level.

INFRASTRUCTURE, STAFF WELFARE INITIATIVES APPROVED

The Tenders Board Committee, led by Mrs. Isoken Olotu, submitted a procurement and maintenance plan targeting the Assembly quarters. The approved projects include roof replacements, solar energy installations, new office equipment including printers, televisions, inverters, and copiers — all aimed at improving staff comfort and operational capacity.

UNION RIGHTS DEFENDED AS PASAN MEMBERS REINSTATED

Justice was delivered for three members of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) — Mr. Micheal Amaize, Mr. Kadiri Ezelomeh, and Mr. Roland Eigbe — who were unlawfully dismissed over union-related activities. Acting on a court verdict, the Commission reinstated them, awarded salary arrears, promotions, ₦500,000 each in damages, and ₦50,000 in legal costs.

₦43M IN FINANCIAL ABUSE UNCOVERED, FORMER SECRETARY INDICTED

A significant highlight of the plenary was the presentation of findings from the Adhoc-Disciplinary Committee, chaired by Hon. Henry Irene, which exposed financial irregularities linked to the former Commission Secretary, Barr. Osahon Newton Ahunwan.

The committee’s probe uncovered fraudulent sewage disposal claims worth ₦18 million without proof of work and missing audit certificates totaling ₦25.005 million. Contracts were also found to have been awarded to unregistered firms, violating state procurement regulations.

As a disciplinary measure, the Commission ordered Barr. Newton to refund 10% of the ₦18 million within 30 days and issue an official apology to the Commission. His redeployment to another ministry was also ratified.

DISCIPLINARY MEASURES AGAINST ABSENTEEISM IMPLEMENTED

Addressing the issue of indiscipline, Hon. Igbas directed staff members without legitimate explanations for absenteeism to report to the Executive Secretary’s office daily for two weeks for mandatory attendance registration. Commendations were extended to departments and individuals who displayed exceptional commitment, while others received cautions and performance improvement advice.