Edo APC Leaders Demand Redeployment of Government House Staff Over Security Concerns

Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State have called on Governor Monday Okpebholo to immediately redeploy Government House staff who served under the administration of former Governor Godwin Obaseki.

Operating under the aegis of Edo APC Leaders of Thought, the party chieftains argue that retaining these staff members poses a security risk to the new administration.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Momodu Adams stated that many civil servants in the Government House had worked closely with Obaseki throughout his eight-year tenure, making their continued presence in Okpebholo’s administration a matter of concern.

Urgent Need for Staff Overhaul

Adams emphasized the urgent need for a comprehensive redeployment, beginning with the Permanent Secretary, Government House, Mrs. Edith Sede, down to the caterers.

He cited recent reports of leaked official memos as evidence that the current staff structure could undermine Okpebholo’s administration.

“Sede is a known loyalist of Obaseki and former Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Osarodion Ogie.

She continues to work with civil servants who served under Obaseki, and this situation is frustrating Okpebholo’s appointees,” Adams alleged.

He further accused some of the staff of actively working against the APC-led government, stating that they were obstructing administrative processes and leaking sensitive information to opposition leaders, including Ogie and Asue Ighodalo, who are challenging Okpebholo’s election victory at the tribunal.

Allegations of Political Bias

Adams also alleged that during major state events, Sede engages PDP loyalists and former Obaseki allies for catering and other official duties.

He warned that this arrangement was causing disarray within the Government House.

“APC leaders are worried because official documents are being leaked to PDP leaders. If something urgent is not done, the situation could escalate.

Currently, all protocol officers, including those who serve tea to Governor Okpebholo, are Obaseki loyalists retained by the Permanent Secretary.

Accountants, procurement officers, cooks, and drivers—98 percent of Government House staff—are still from Obaseki’s administration,” he said.

Concerns Over Media Relations

Adams also expressed concerns that some staff members were sabotaging Okpebholo’s media relations efforts.

“Governor Okpebholo currently has no retainership with any media house because of internal sabotage. Some individuals are ensuring that he receives bad press.

If the media turns against his administration, it could be disastrous. This is exactly what some people want—to frustrate everything that will enhance the governor’s public image,” he warned.

The APC leaders called on Governor Okpebholo to take decisive action to restructure the Government House workforce and protect the integrity of his administration.