The sack was contained in a memo dated March 4, 2022, and those affected were drawn from junior, senior, and management categories of workers.
The government said it was part of the government’s transition plan from the now-defunct Edo State Sports Council to the Edo State Sports Commission.
The memo stated that while the affected staff would be immediately paid their one month instead of notice, their pension payment would commence in April 2022.
“Transition Plan for Staff of Edo State Sports Council to Edo State Sports Commission” the memo read in part:
“Following the assessment for the establishment of the Edo State Sports Commission, we have completed the assessment of staff of the defunct Sports Council, who possess the requisite skills sets to transit to the new Sports Commission.
“In the foregoing, we have carefully reviewed the organization structure for the new Sports Commission and assessed the existing staff of the defunct Council against the required competencies required to operate in the Commission,” it stated.
The affected workers included athletes, coaches, and administrative staff.
Some of the protesters said that they were shocked to receive a circular of their disengagement from the Edo Civil Service and were asked to reapply as casual staff.