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| Godwin Obaseki, EdoState Gov. (left), and Taiwo Akerele, his erstwhile Chief of Staff. |
The immediate past Chief of Staff to the Executive Governor of Edo State, Mr. Taiwo Akerele, has cried out over the harassment of operatives of the Department of State Service, DSS, following his resignation from government at the weekend.
Akerele, who’s seen as one of the most trusted aides of the embattled governor, Godwin Obaseki, had tendered his resignation, citing the usurpation of his official functions by the Secretary to the State Government, Ogie Osarodion.
It was learnt that in order to stave off the negative impact the resignation might have on the cohesion of his cabinet and appointees, the governor was said to have made a last ditch effort to placate and discourage Akerele from resigning, but this was said to have hit brick walls, as Akerele had insisted his resignation was based on “administrative and governance grounds”.
The letter reads:
Dear sir,
My decision to exit the government is based on administrative and governance grounds.
I am solidly with His Excellency Mr. Godwin Obaseki in his quest to transform Edo State. His mission and vision resonate with mine.
This is all I have to say, I will like to be given opportunity to go private as I part ways administratively with the government based on principles.
I thank His Excellency for the opportunity given to me to serve in this capacity and also thank to His Royal Majesty, Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II for his immense leadership and support during the period I served in this capacity. May his reign be long and peaceful. Amen.
Thank you.
T. Francis Akerele (TFA)
Chief of Staff, Edo State Government, November 14,, 2016 - April 25 2020.
However, Sunday afternoon, it was learnt that no fewer than 25 officers of the Nigeria Police alongside operatives of the DSS stormed the home of the erstwhile Chief of Staff, ransacked his premises and had his personal assistant arrested. Mr. Akerele was however said to have escaped being arrested, and his whereabouts unknown as at the time of filing this report.
It is not yet clear as to why his home was invaded by security operatives as details remain sketchy.
Meanwhile, the governor has since approved the appointment of Mr. Ethan Osaze Uzamere as replacement for the exited Chief of Staff. Uzamere, 38, is the son of Senator Ehigie Uzamere, who represented Edo South Senatorial District in the National Assembly between 2007 and 2011. He has since resumed his duties at Government House, Benin City, the Edo State capital.
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