Anambra launches investigation into staff tardiness and truancy after Governor Soludo's inspection

The Anambra State Government has initiated an investigation into civil servants who have been accused of reporting late to work and being absent from their duties in the state's public service, with some of the affected workers appearing before a disciplinary committee.

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This development comes after Governor Chukwuma Soludo made an unscheduled visit to the State Secretariat in March, where it was discovered that over 90 per cent of the workforce were not at their duty posts, prompting the constitution of the Special Disciplinary Committee on Violation of Public Service Rules.

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The committee, which was set up in accordance with the Public Service Rules 2021, convened at the Office of the Head of Service, State Secretariat Complex, Awka, on Friday, and examined several workers over allegations of lateness and absenteeism.

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Nkiru Nwankwo, the Chairperson of the panel and Permanent Secretary, Office of the Head of Service, stated that lateness and absenteeism are violations of public service rules and constitute a breach of employment terms, warning that such offences are punishable under the rules.

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Nwankwo emphasized that the current administration is committed to repositioning the public service for efficiency and effectiveness, and that the exercise is aimed at probing lateness and absenteeism, which violate public service rules and constitute a breach of contract of employment.

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She advised workers with genuine reasons for absence or lateness to follow due process by formally notifying the appropriate authorities in writing and in good time, and warned that disenchanted workers should submit voluntary resignation letters rather than receiving salaries for work not done.

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Nwankwo also stated that it is illegal to receive salaries for work not done, and that workers should have a change of attitude towards their jobs.

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Chuma Uwolloh, a member of the committee and Commissioner in the Civil Service Commission, urged workers to take their responsibilities seriously, warning that failure to do so would result in continued violations and sanctions.

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Chinyere Nwabachili, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, cautioned workers against prioritizing personal businesses over official duties.

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Jerome Ilokwu, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Entertainment and Tourism, noted that the session marked the assessment stage of the disciplinary process, and that decisions would be based on responses to queries issued to the affected workers.

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Ilokwu added that the outcomes of the disciplinary process would be communicated in due course, and that the committee would ensure that the Head of Service intensifies unscheduled visits to ministries, departments, and agencies to ensure compliance with public service rules.

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This move is a follow-up to Soludo's unscheduled visit to the State Secretariat on March 26, where he assessed staff punctuality, conduct, and commitment to duty, and warned that non-performing staff who fail to align with the administration's vision would be disengaged.