Governor Monday Okpebholo's action in suspending the activities of consultants across the state this week is a decisive move to reclaim the role and integrity of Edo State’s civil service.

The decision, communicated through a notice issued on Monday by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Ikhilor, marks a critical turning point in restoring public confidence in the civil service.

The directive mandates that “all financial transactions and related services with affected consultants and service providers are to be put on hold immediately, pending when the Review Committee established by the governor submits its report.” It further instructs all Accounting Officers and Heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to comply strictly.

For those familiar with the past administration, the announcement highlights a stark contrast to the tenure of Governor Godwin Obaseki, who made consultants a fixture in nearly every sector of governance.

Under Obaseki’s tenure, consultancy services reportedly cost the state approximately N2.792 billion, drawing widespread criticism. These expenditures undermined the role of the civil service, leaving government agencies redundant and sapping the morale of public servants.

Consultants were embedded in key projects, including museum construction, the Central and Stella Obasanjo Hospitals, traffic management, and water supply. However, many of these initiatives were plagued by inefficiencies and allegations of mismanagement:

Infrastructure Development: Consultants spearheaded road construction projects, many of which were fictitious.

Traffic Management: Despite deploying consultants, congestion in Benin City worsened, highlighting the failure of external expertise to address local realities.

Water Supply Projects: Consultants promised expanded access to clean water, but citizens saw little evidence of functional rehabilitation of treatment plants or improved distribution networks.

Governor Okpebholo’s directive is not merely an administrative adjustment—it is a significant policy shift aimed at restoring the civil service to its rightful position as the engine of governance in Edo State. By sidelining consultants, the governor is empowering MDAs to reclaim their mandate and drive the state’s development agenda with integrity and accountability.

This move also underscores the governor’s commitment to financial prudence and transparency. The establishment of a Review Committee to assess the role of consultants signals a determination to investigate past transactions, address potential abuses, and recover public funds where necessary.

Moreover, this policy is a clarion call to civil servants across all sectors, assuring them that their expertise is valued and their roles are indispensable. With the consultants out of the picture, the state’s workforce can once again take pride in spearheading critical projects, from infrastructure to healthcare and economic development.

A New Dawn for Edo State

Governor Okpebholo’s decision resonates deeply with citizens who have long called for reforms to end the era of consultancy dependency. It sends a strong message that accountability, efficiency, and service delivery will define this administration.

The suspension of consultants represents more than a change in operational processes; it is a bold statement that the government belongs to the people and should serve their interests. With the civil service poised to reclaim its central role, Edo State is on the cusp of a new era of purposeful governance.

As citizens await the findings of the Review Committee, one thing is clear: this policy signals the beginning of the end of impunity