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A group of concerned citizens in Edo State has accused Governor Monday Okpebholo of endorsing an alleged irregular promotion at the Edo State College of Health Sciences and Technology, Benin City.
In a petition titled “Petition for Investigation into Alleged Irregular Conversion/Upgrading in Edo State College of Health Sciences and Technology, Benin City,” the group alleged that a staff member, Mrs. Osamwenyobor Royce Ajisafe, was upgraded from CONTEDISS Level 6 to CONTEDISS Level 14 despite reportedly being on probation.
The petitioners said Ajisafe was employed as a Senior Clerical Officer on Level 6 and had “not yet been confirmed,” but was approved for conversion to Chief Administrative Officer on Level 14.
“The approval is said to have been conveyed through HR channels and endorsed by the Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo,” the petition stated.
Describing the action as inconsistent with due process, the group said the alleged upgrade contravenes “established administrative procedures, the Public Service Rules, and the approved Scheme of Service governing appointments, confirmations, conversions, and promotions within the Edo State Public Service.”
According to the petition, “officers on probation are generally not eligible for promotion or major cadre conversion until confirmation.”
It further argued that “movement from a clerical cadre into a senior administrative cadre is typically governed by clear procedures, competitive processes, and compliance with qualification and service requirements.”
The group maintained that where academic qualifications justify progression, “upgrading within the appropriate framework, for example, from Level 6 to Level 8 where applicable, is the recognized pathway under normal public service practice.”
The petitioners warned that the alleged action could negatively affect “staff morale across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), the integrity of the Edo State Public Service, and adherence to due process and administrative standards.”
They called for “an independent review of the said appointment/conversion to determine its compliance with the Public Service Rules and Scheme of Service.”
They also demanded “clarification from the appropriate authorities to ensure transparency and restore confidence among public servants,” insisting that “due process and merit-based progression must remain the cornerstone of personnel management in Edo State.”
The group emphasized that the petition “is not intended to malign any individual but to safeguard institutional integrity, fairness, and administrative standards in the Edo State Public Service.”
As of press time, neither the Edo State Government nor the management of the college had issued an official response to the allegations.
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