Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole wielded the big stick yesterday, terminating the appointment of four commissioners in the Executive Council.

A 135-word press statement from Government House, signed by Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Prince Kassim Afegbua, on behalf of Oshiomhole, who announced the sack from outside the state, said the change was “in line with government’s commitment to strengthen the system towards optimal performance.”

Those affected include Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Lucky James, an inaugural member of the cabinet, who began as Special Adviser on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs; Commissioner for Energy and Water Resources, Chris Ebare; Commissioner for Basic Education, Patrick Aguinede; and Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs Blessing Maigida.

The statement, which did not give any reason for the sack added, “The termination is with immediate effect. They are directed to hand over all government property in their possession to Permanent Secretaries in their respective ministries.”

However, reliable sources close to the governor exclusively revealed to National Mirror that the sack letter to the commissioners marked the beginning of the politics that would culminate in picking of a worthy successor to the governor by the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, to contest against the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and other opposition parties in 2016 governorship election.

Our sources said some members of the cabinet were engaged in open campaigns for an aspirant of the APC and incumbent deputy governor, Dr Pius Odubu, despite Oshiomhole’s warning that cabinet members should shun partisan politics for now in order not to derail his administration’s last days focus until green light is given for open campaign.

CEOAfrica gathered that James, for example, campaigned openly for Odubu, in expectation of running mate slot for the primary election.

On the other hand, excommissioners Maigida and Ebare were let go for allegedly being too weak and unable to give the administration the benefits of their experience.

Our sources added that Oshiomhole may sack more commissioners before the government’s 7th anniversary on November 12 and before Edo APC governorship primary election holds between December and January 201