Heads of Local Government Administration in the 18 local government councils in Edo State have been sent on compulsory leave by the State Local Government Service Commission. Chairman of the commission, Kabiru Adjoto, gave the directive while briefing journalists on the outcome of the commission’s visit to the 18 local government councils. The former speaker of the state House of Assembly said the compulsory leave would last for 30 working days, after which it would be reviewed, adding that the affected heads of local government have been equally directed to hand over to Director of Administrative and General Services. According to Adjoto, who was flanked by other members of the commission, “The local Government Service Commission has reviewed the existing administration framework across the 18 local government councils. “Consequently, the commission hereby directs all heads of local government administration across the 18 local government councils to proceed on compulsory leave with effect from today.” He explained that “the measure has become very necessary to allow for thorough assessment for improved administrative operation at the local government level, ensure a fair and objective review of posting, staff deployment and record management practices, as well as encourage transparency and restore confidence in the local government system.” Adjoto said the compulsory leave would also “provide an opportunity for fresh administrative perspective as part of the commission’s reform agenda and on account of feedback from our familiarisation visit”. He stated that “During the period of this compulsory leave, the director of Administrative and General Services shall oversee the day-to-day administration of every local government”, adding, “Pending further directive from this commission, all concerned officers are advised to hand over properly and comply with this directive without delay.” Adjoto, who insisted that “our task is very clear – to positively reposition the workforce of the local government in such a way that dividends of democracy trickle down to the grassroots,” said to this effect, the commission had commenced digitalisation with 90 percent completion. The commission’s chairman disclosed that in the process of the digitalisation, 382 shadow files were detected, while 132 retired files were found.
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