The Edo State’s chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have expressed outrage and disappointment over the sacking of civil servants in the State, yesterday, by the newly inaugurated governor, Monday Okpebholo.
Many of the dismissed workers were left in uncertain conditions, plunging numerous families and dependents into a sudden state of disarray amid the current economic challenges, which was inflicted on the people due to the gross mismanagement of the national economy by the governor’s All Progressives-led government.
Describing the move as callous, reckless and unjust, the PDP spokesman, Chris Osa Nehikhare, said the action is a troubling sign of what may lie ahead under the new administration.
This is as various stakeholders in the State, including civil and public servants, labour unions, civil society groups and non-governmental organizations continue to lambast the governor for the action which they say is inhumane and utterly insensitive.
According to the PDP, the government’s harsh start is a direct assault on Edo workers and the people of the State.
The Edo PDP noted, “This is totally condemnable and unacceptable. How can a governor begin to sack workers in the State barely 24 hours after he was sworn in? This callous and rash action of the governor is a direct assault on workers and the people of the State, and we condemn it in its entirety. It is reminiscent of the dark days of the military when after they illegally takeover power, they begin to sack and dismiss civil and public servants, using words such as “with immediate effect and automatic alacrity”
“Could this just be the beginning of the harsh and inhumane policies and decisions we are to see under the new administration of Monday Okpebholo? Is this a sad tale sign of what the government portends for the people of Edo State? If this is how the governor begins his first day in office, what hope do we have for the months ahead? How can a governor kick off his administration by throwing families into hardship?” he queried.
“This is the height of wickedness and insensitivity and does not bode well for our State,” Nehikhare added.
Nehikhare pondered if the governor is desirious of bringing home to Edo State, the suffering and hardship already inflicted on the country and its people by the APC government at the centre.
“It’s clear that this administration has no regard for the welfare of workers and ordinary citizens because how do you begin your tenure by throwing families into poverty?
“I think Okpebholo is only bringing home to Edo State the suffering and hardship already inflicted on the country and its people by the APC government at the centre. We should not be surprised but expect more of such harsh and insane actions to impoverish the people further,” Nehikhare added.