Abia State Government Implements Salary Suspension for Unverified Civil Servants Starting November 2023, Commissioner Okey Kanu Announces

In a recent development, the Abia State government has declared that civil servants who have not undergone the verification exercise will face a suspension of their salaries, effective from November 2023. The announcement was made by the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Okey Kanu, during a press briefing in Umuahia following the executive council meeting chaired by Governor Alex Otti.

Kanu emphasized that the two-week extension provided by the State government for the verification process should have been sufficient for all concerned civil servants to complete the necessary procedures. Those who were unable to undergo verification have been urged to approach the heads of their respective Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to inquire about the reasons for their non-verification.

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Furthermore, the commissioner revealed that 197 private schools recently closed in the state might be reopened if they meet the government's guidelines and standards. He cited poor conditions and low-quality teaching staff as reasons for the initial closure. The government appears willing to reconsider the status of these schools provided they can align with the specified requirements.

Additionally, it was disclosed that the State government is gearing up to launch a Whistle Blower policy in the near future. This policy is expected to encourage individuals to report any form of misconduct, corruption, or irregularities within the government system.

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Senior Special Adviser on Special Duties to the Abia State Governor, Betty Emeka-Obasi, echoed the sentiment, stating that the names of unverified workers have been made public. She advised affected workers to promptly approach the heads of their MDAs to address the verification status.

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The decision to suspend salaries underscores the government's commitment to ensuring a transparent and accountable workforce. As the state takes these measures, it remains to be seen how civil servants and private schools will respond to the government's directives and whether the Whistle Blower policy will contribute to enhanced governance in Abia State.