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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Elections & Politics

ONE GOVERNOR, 4,800 SPECIAL ASSISTANTS

From ThisDay · () English

Summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

Opinion Named sources New plan
  • Governor Lucky Okpebholo of Edo State appointed 4,800 special assistants, sparking debate about democratic practices and government spending.
  • The governor justified the appointments as a way to involve All Progressives Congress (APC) members in governance and bring administration to the grassroots.
  • Critics question the cost, budget allocation, constitutional adherence, and the state's ability to pay pensions while funding these positions, suggesting funds would be better used for social services and infrastructure.

Governor Lucky Okpebholo of Edo State has appointed 4,800 special assistants, a move widely criticized as outrageous and wasteful, raising questions about the essence of democracy in Nigeria. The governor defended the decision, stating it was necessary to deepen the participation of All Progressives Congress (APC) members in his administration and extend governance to the grassroots.

"We don’t have any other party than APC. So, we are taking governance to the grassroots so that whatever is from the top will also go down to the bottom," Okpebholo told state residents, emphasizing that the appointments were a reward for collective victory. However, critics point to significant public interest issues, questioning if the cost is budgeted and if the appointments followed constitutional procedures. Concerns are also raised about the state's financial priorities, particularly with many retired workers still awaiting their pensions and gratuities.

We don’t have any other party than APC. So, we are taking governance to the grassroots so that whatever is from the top will also go down to the bottom.

— Governor Lucky OkpebholoThe governor justifies the large number of special assistant appointments as a means to involve party members and extend governance to the grassroots.

Edo State relies heavily on federal allocations, making the governor's decision to appoint such a large number of aides particularly contentious. Critics argue that the funds allocated to these special assistants' salaries and allowances could be better utilized for essential social services like education and healthcare, or for improving the state's decaying infrastructure. The article suggests that the governor should seek more sustainable methods for rewarding supporters rather than burdening taxpayers.

The article notes that this practice is not unique to Okpebholo, with many governors across Nigeria reportedly rewarding friends and cronies. His predecessor, Godwin Obaseki, appointed 186 special and senior special assistants. The sheer scale of Okpebholo's appointments, over 25 times that of his predecessor, prompts further scrutiny into the rationale and necessity of such a significant expansion of the governor's office.

Appointing 4,800 SAs is not an issue because we all worked for this victory.

— Governor Lucky OkpebholoThe governor defends the scale of appointments as a reward for the party's electoral success.
About this summary

Originally published by ThisDay. Summarized and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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