By Charles Adingupu
A political drama is currently playing out in Benue State as the recently sworn in Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has nullified all the last minute appointments into the State Civil Service made by the immediate-past governor, Samuel Ortom.
The governor also demoted some permanent secretaries appointed by the immediate past administration, saying they should revert to their previous positions .
“All appointments into the state civil service made by the outgone administration from May 2022 to date are hereby nullified with immediate effect,” the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Kula Tersoo, said in a statement on Wednesday.
The governor also ordered all those who had retired but had yet to vacate their offices or duty posts, either because of extension or contract appointment, to proceed on retirement forthwith.
“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,” the release further stated.
