Soludo’s Surprise Inspection: Absentee Anambra Workers Face Disciplinary Panel

By MaryAnn Chukwuma

Following the recent unscheduled visit by Gov Chukwuma Charles Soludo to the Anambra State Secretariat, defaulting civil servants have appeared before a disciplinary committee to determine their fate in the service.

The disciplinary panel, which convened on April 13 at the Committee Hall of the Office of the Head of Service, Jerome Udorji Secretariat Complex, Awka, was chaired by the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Head of Service, Mrs. Nkiru Jessie Nwankwo, Esq., alongside other Permanent Secretaries and senior civil servants.

Addressing the affected workers, the Chairman, Mrs. Nwankwo, stated that lateness—particularly absenteeism—violates Civil Service Rules and constitutes a breach of contract punishable under the law.

She urged the workers to take their duties seriously, noting that the current administration is committed to transforming the Civil Service. She further advised them to emulate the Head of Service, Ngozi Anuli Iwouno, whom she described as a model civil servant.

Mrs. Nwankwo also noted that, although the Head of Service was displeased about instituting the disciplinary committee, it was necessary to restore the integrity and work ethic of the Anambra Civil Service.

She emphasized that any worker who anticipates lateness or absence must follow due process by officially notifying the appropriate authorities in a timely manner.

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Furthermore, she advised that workers who feel disengaged or dissatisfied with their roles should consider voluntary resignation rather than continue to receive salaries for work not performed.

Also speaking, a Commissioner from the Civil Service Commission and member of the panel, Barr. Chuma Uwolloh, urged the workers to adopt a more responsible mindset toward their duties, stressing that public service is a serious commitment.

He warned that failure to adjust such attitudes would continually place them in violation of Civil Service Rules, especially at a time when Anambra State is undergoing significant transformation under the leadership of Governor Soludo.

In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Mrs. Nwabachili Chinyere, reaffirmed the government’s resolve to monitor workers who treat public service as a secondary source of income while focusing on private businesses.

She described such conduct as a serious offense under the Civil Service Rules and cautioned against it.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Entertainment and Tourism, Mr. Jerome Ilokwu, informed the affected workers that the proceedings were at the assessment and inquiry stage. He added that decisions would be based on their responses to queries and would be communicated in due course.

He also encouraged other civil servants to learn from the ongoing process and avoid similar infractions.