By Onwukwe Ezeru, Abia
Abia State government has re-affirmed its commitment to partner organizations and individuals that will embark on projects geared towards improving workers’ welfare in the state.
The state Head of Service, Dr. Vivian Uma, stated this in his office while chatting with journalists.
Uma commended the efforts of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) in making life bearable for the Abia workforce and urged the bank to expedite action in its plans of ensuring that Abia workforce benefits from its Home Renovation Loan.
The HOS described public servants as an indispensable arm of the government and admonished workers to always exhibit high level of responsibility and commitment in the discharge of their duties.
On the dwindling economy, Uma charged public servants to embark on prayers and not be deterred by the present economic challenges. The HOS reiterated the avowed commitment of the present administration under Governor Okezie Ikpeazu to continue to prioritize the welfare of the Abia workforce.
The State Head of Service who further extolled the workers for their understanding and patience in the trying period, however, pleaded with the state pensioners to have faith in the administration of Ikpeazu, who is poised to settle debts owed them.
Meanwhile, the state government has warned that it would not hesitate to deal with any public servant that indulges in any form of disrespect and general indiscipline in the state service.
The State Head of Service, Dr. Vivian Uma, gave the warming during the Senior Management Meeting in his office, Uma reminded workers that the stipulated rules and regulations guiding the service are still operational and will not delay in enforcing it on any public servant that runs contrary to the rules.
The No. 1 civil servant who re-affirmed the irrevocable commitment of the government to continue to sanitize the state service, warned that any act of sabotage against the operations of the government would be visited with stiff opposition and commensurate sanction given to the affected staff.
According to the State Head of Service, reverting the service to the old culture where discipline, productivity, meritocracy and respect for seniority were the order of the day is a collective effort of all, adding that there is no better instrument available for government to perform its duties and services to the people than a well virile, disciplined and efficient workforce.
Contributing, the Permanent Secretaries, in the office of the State Head of Service with one voice expressed optimism that the state Head of Service would continue to employ his wealth of experience in ensuring that discipline and general sanity returns to the service.