A New Dawn: Edo State House of Assembly Service Commission Takes Historic Step 

Habiba SamThe Edo State House of Assembly Service Commission's inaugural plenary session, held on May 15, 2025, in Benin City, marked a significant milestone in the commission's administrative evolution. The session, convened under the leadership of Commission Chairman Hon. (Sir) Ezehi MD Igbas, was attended by members, staff, the press, and the public, all eager to witness the dawn of a new era of transparency, inclusiveness, and reform.

Hon. Igbas welcomed members to the session and announced a policy shift, introducing monthly plenary meetings to deliberate on committee reports, petitions, staff development issues, and policy recommendations. He emphasized the commission's legal authority to establish investigative and advisory committees and underscored the importance of an open-door policy as a bedrock of transparency and good governance.

The plenary addressed the cases of several staff members who were wrongfully dismissed or retired due to alleged political victimization. The commission adopted committee recommendations for their reinstatement, payment of arrears, and promotion. Specifically, the cases of Mr. J. Ohiokhuobo, Mr. S. Haruna, Mrs. Ego Aguinede, and Mrs. Marian Edoror were highlighted, and the commission ordered their reinstatement and payment of arrears.

The commission also addressed cases of promotion disputes and appointment irregularities. Mr. Bello Saheed's case was resolved, with his next promotion scheduled for June 1, 2026. Another case involved Mr. Ebegue Igho-Osagie, who presented two different appointment letters; the commission nullified the second appointment and upheld the first.

The Tenders Board Committee presented a comprehensive procurement and maintenance report, detailing approved projects aimed at improving staff accommodation and operational efficiency. These projects included roof replacements, procurement of solar-powered infrastructure, and equipment upgrades.

The commission endorsed the reinstatement, full promotion, and payment of salary arrears for Mr. Micheal O. Amaize, Mr. Kadiri A. Ezelomeh, and Mr. Roland E. Eigbe, members of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) who were dismissed due to union activities. Each individual was also awarded N500,000 in damages and N50,000 in general costs.

The commission tackled issues of absenteeism and lateness, implementing disciplinary measures and recommending comprehensive staff training. A visitation exercise to departments in the legislative quarters revealed the need for systemic reform and proper documentation.

The Adhoc-disciplinary committee investigated petitions against the former secretary, Bar. Osahon Newton Ahunwan, and ordered him to refund 10% of the misappropriated N18 million and send an apology letter to the commission. His transfer to another ministry was also approved.In his closing address, Hon. (Sir) Ezehi Igbas reaffirmed the commission's commitment to fairness, discipline, and reform. He emphasized that the commission's mandate was to protect all staff who adhered to the rules, while those who flouted the laws would face consequences.

The first plenary session of the Edo State House of Assembly Service Commission marked a bold step towards institutional reform, justice, and accountability. The commission's decisions demonstrated a new era of transparency and fairness, where service would guide the commission's hand.

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