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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Economy & Trade

Anambra Probes Civil Servants Over Lateness, Absenteeism Post-Soludo Visit

From The Punch · (2d ago) English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • The Anambra State Government is investigating civil servants for lateness and absenteeism.
  • The probe follows an unscheduled visit by Governor Chukwuma Soludo, who found over 90% of staff absent.
  • The disciplinary committee aims to enforce public service rules and improve efficiency.

The Anambra State Government, under the leadership of Governor Chukwuma Soludo, is taking decisive action to restore discipline and efficiency within the civil service. Following the Governor's surprise visit to the State Secretariat, which revealed a shocking level of absenteeism—over 90% of staff were absent from their duty posts—a Special Disciplinary Committee has been formed to address the violations of public service rules.

This exercise is set up to probe lateness and absenteeism, which violate public service rules and constitute a breach of contract of employment. Workers should have a change of attitude toward work.

— Nkiru NwankwoChairperson of the panel and Permanent Secretary, Office of the Head of Service, explaining the purpose of the disciplinary exercise.

This initiative underscores the administration's commitment to repositioning the public service for optimal performance. The committee, operating in line with the Public Service Rules 2021, is meticulously examining cases of lateness and absenteeism. Permanent Secretary Nkiru Nwankwo emphasized that such conduct is a breach of employment terms and is punishable, urging workers to adopt a more responsible attitude towards their duties.

Disenchanted workers should submit voluntary resignation letters rather than shortchanging the government by receiving salaries for work not done. It is illegal to receive salaries not worked for.

— Nkiru NwankwoPermanent Secretary advising workers on proper conduct and alternatives to absenteeism.

The government is not just punishing offenders but also guiding them. Workers with legitimate reasons for absence or lateness are advised to follow due process by formally notifying the appropriate authorities. For those who are disenchanted, the option of voluntary resignation is presented, rather than continuing to draw salaries for work not performed—an act deemed illegal and a form of shortchanging the government.

Failure to do so would result in continued violations and sanctions.

— Chuma UwollohCommissioner in the Civil Service Commission warning workers about the consequences of not taking responsibilities seriously.

This crackdown is a clear signal that the era of laxity is over in Anambra's civil service. The administration is determined to ensure accountability and effectiveness, with plans for intensified unscheduled visits to ministries and departments to maintain compliance. This move is crucial for rebuilding public trust and ensuring that government services are delivered efficiently to the citizens of Anambra State.

The session marked the assessment stage of the disciplinary process.

— Jerome IlokwuPermanent Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Entertainment and Tourism, describing the current phase of the investigation.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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