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…Uncovers 400 Ghost Files In Local Government System
By Idahosa Musa
Edo State Government has suspended all Heads of Local Government Administration (HoLGAs) across the 18 councils in the state, following a discovery of widespread irregularities and hundreds of unverified personnel records.
Chairman of the Edo State Local Government Service Commission, Hon. Kabiru Adjoto, who announced the measure on Wednesday in Benin, said that the move was part of a sweeping reform to clean up the system and restore credibility to grassroots administration.
Adjoto said the Commission, after an extensive tour of the 18 local government councils, uncovered massive administrative lapses including ghost files and poor record management.
“We discovered disturbing irregularities in the councils’ record systems. To ensure a fair and transparent review, all Heads of Local Government Administration are hereby directed to proceed on compulsory leave with effect from today,” he stated.
He said the “compulsory leave” was necessary to allow for an independent audit of staff postings, record management, and financial administration without interference.
The Commission chairman also directed all Directors of Administration and General Services (DAGS) to take charge of council affairs pending further directives.
Adjoto revealed that the Commission’s digitization process had so far uncovered 382 ghost files and 138 retired files still active in the system, describing the situation as unacceptable.
Meanwhile, the Head of LGA and Director of Finance in Etsako West Local Government were also placed on compulsory leave and interdicted over petitions of misconduct.
He assured that the Commission under Governor Okpebholo’s administration would continue to enforce accountability, transparency, and staff retraining to strengthen local government service delivery across the state.
