Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue has undone several appointments and recruitments implemented by his predecessor, Samuel Ortom, during his final days in office.
POLITICS NIGERIA that following the victory of the Catholic Priest at the governorship poll, tensions arose between the immediate past governor and the current governor. Ortom had initiated last-minute policies, which the All Progressives Congress (APC) claimed were designed to create obstacles for the incoming government.
These policies included hasty recruitments, promotions within the civil service, and contract awards.
The APC, through its Publicity Secretary, Daniel Ihomun, expressed concern over these actions and accused the previous administration of obstructing a smooth transition.
On the other hand, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), through its Publicity Secretary, Bemgba Iortyom, defended the last-minute policies, arguing that Ortom remained the governor of the state until noon on May 29th.
Recently, Governor Alia has issued a statement through his Chief Press Secretary, Kula Tersoo, nullifying all recent appointments made by Samuel Ortom into the State Civil Service.
The statement read in parts, “All appointments into the state civil service made by the outgone administration from May 2022 to date are hereby nullified with immediate effect.
“All Civil Servants due for retirement but are yet to tender their letters of retirement or notice of retirement should do so forthwith and proceed on retirement immediately.
“All Civil Servants and or persons appointed Permanent Secretaries from the month of January 2023 to date should revert to their previous positions forthwith.
“All the postings and transfers made in the state civil service from October 2022, to date are hereby nullified. The affected staff should revert to their former ranks, stations, or offices with immediate effect.”
