Edo State Government mandates all HOLGAs to proceed on 30-day compulsory leave for administrative reform, transparency, and better grassroots governance.
The Edo State Government has directed all Heads of Local Government Administration (HOLGAs) across the 18 local government areas to proceed on a 30-day compulsory leave as part of a comprehensive local government reform initiative.
Chairman of the Edo State Local Government Service Commission, Hon. Kabiru Adjoto, announced the directive in Benin City after an extensive inspection tour of all 18 local councils.
He said the Edo State Government took the decision to allow for an independent and transparent administrative audit that would reposition the councils for better efficiency and accountability.
According to Adjoto, the 30-day compulsory leave will enable the commission to review posting procedures, staff deployment, and record management systems across all councils.
He stressed that the reform is part of the Edo State Government’s renewed effort to restore discipline, eliminate corruption, and strengthen local governance structures.
“The measure has become necessary to allow for a thorough and objective assessment of administrative operations at the local government level,” Adjoto said.
“Our mission is to promote transparency, accountability, and service excellence within the local government system.”
During his visits to the councils, the commission uncovered 382 shadow files and discovered that 132 files belonging to retired personnel were missing.
Adjoto described these findings as alarming and unacceptable, noting that the Edo State Government would not tolerate inefficiency or administrative malpractice.
He directed all affected HOLGAs to immediately hand over to their respective Directors of Administration and General Services to ensure a smooth transition during the leave period.
This, he said, would ensure the ongoing administrative audit proceeds without obstruction.
Adjoto, a former Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, explained that the compulsory leave is not punitive but corrective.
The goal, he noted, is to improve operational efficiency and ensure that the dividends of democracy reach the grassroots.
“Governor Okpebholo is determined to make local governance functional and people-oriented,” he said. “This step reflects the administration’s strong commitment to reform and development.”
He further emphasized that the Edo State Government is committed to fairness and objectivity in implementing the reform.
“We are ensuring that every review is guided by integrity,” Adjoto noted. “The aim is to strengthen trust between the government and the people.”
Local leaders, civil society groups, and political analysts have praised the initiative as a bold and necessary move toward achieving good governance at the local level.
Many believe that the reform will help curb irregularities, improve accountability, and enhance public service delivery across Edo State.
Observers also say the reform aligns with Governor Okpebholo’s broader agenda of institutional strengthening and grassroots empowerment.
By tackling administrative inefficiency, the Edo State Government aims to create a more responsive and transparent system that meets the people’s needs.
Adjoto assured that the commission’s findings from the audit would be made public, adding that recommendations for further restructuring would follow.
“We will ensure the people of Edo State see the results of this process,” he said.
“Any officer found wanting will face disciplinary measures, while those who have served diligently will be recognized.”
He reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to good governance, transparency, and accountability, reiterating that the Edo State Government considers local government reform a cornerstone of sustainable development.
More news at ireport247news
