Sharp reactions as APC governor appoints 4,800 aides…

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has approved the appointment of 4,800 special assistants spread across all 192 wards in the state, describing the move as a deliberate strategy to take governance to the grassroots, according to the Nigerian Observer.

The governor made the announcement Monday during a meeting with All Progressives Congress members from all 18 local government areas at Government House, Benin City. APC State Chairman Jarret Tenebe confirmed the figure translates to 25 special assistant positions per ward, adding that a committee has been constituted to compile names of qualified nominees and forward them to party headquarters.

“Appointing 4,800 SAs is not an issue at all because we all worked for this victory. The victory does not belong to Okpebholo alone,” the governor said.

The announcement drew swift and overwhelmingly negative reactions on X. User @MichaelaUdioh questioned the state’s priorities: “Same state doesn’t have money for good roads but they can afford to put 4,800 SAs on payroll.” @JOMTrue was blunter: “Is that the job you’re supposed to create for Edo youths? Appointing APC touts as special assistants so they can create havoc for the 2027 election with taxpayers’ money.” @emmaijesu asked: “Special assistants on what? Thugs — just for elections.” @NjokuChima19 added: “4,800 special assistants — my eyes de pain me. Time for governance revamping is long overdue.”

The governor, however, framed the appointments as party reward and governance outreach, insisting development opportunities must flow from the state level down to the wards.