Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has firmly dismissed the widespread rumors about the alleged mass retrenchment of civil servants, stating categorically that his administration has no plans to lay off any members of the state’s workforce. Speaking during his monthly media briefing, dubbed “Alex Otti Speaks,” which took place on Friday night at the Banquet Hall, Government House in Umuahia, the governor addressed various concerns regarding the state’s civil service, while outlining his administration’s ongoing efforts to enhance the performance and output of state employees.
During his address, Governor Otti took the opportunity to clear the air on the controversial topic of job security for civil servants, which had been a subject of concern for some sections of the public. Dismissing the claims as baseless, he questioned the origin of the rumors that had suggested a large-scale retrenchment was imminent. “I don’t know where that claim is coming from,” the governor remarked with visible concern. “Something like a mass layoff is unheard of, and we haven’t even given it a second thought. There is absolutely no intention to engage in such actions. As I’ve said before, our focus is on improving the civil service and increasing productivity, not reducing the workforce.”
Governor Otti explained that his administration is instead working tirelessly to reform and strengthen the state’s civil service, with the ultimate goal of creating a more efficient and high-performing workforce. He emphasized that civil servants in the state have already begun to benefit from his administration’s policies, especially the consistent payment of salaries, which has eliminated the longstanding issue of salary delays that once plagued the civil service. According to Otti, timely salary payments have helped foster a more positive work environment, where civil servants are motivated to perform their duties without the anxiety of financial insecurity.
“We’re ensuring that salaries are paid promptly at the end of each month, and this has removed any excuses for absenteeism. With financial obligations met, there should be no reason for anyone to skip work or neglect their duties,” the governor explained. He further noted that the timely payment of wages is just one of the many measures his administration has implemented to boost morale and ensure that workers remain focused and productive.
Governor Otti went on to suggest that the fears of mass retrenchment circulating within the state may stem from a sense of guilt among some employees who have developed poor work habits over the years. He issued a stern warning to civil servants who had become accustomed to absenteeism and truancy, stressing that such behaviors would no longer be tolerated under his administration. “If there are any civil servants who are worried about retrenchment, it might be because they are used to not showing up for work. Let me be clear: this administration will not tolerate truancy. We need every worker to contribute to the growth and development of this state,” Otti asserted.
Addressing the issue of workers who had been disengaged from the civil service under previous administrations, particularly those affected by the controversial policy of non-indigeneship, Governor Otti expressed satisfaction with the progress made in re-engaging many of those affected. He acknowledged that under past administrations, several civil servants had lost their jobs simply because they were not indigenes of Abia State. However, since taking office, his administration has made a concerted effort to reverse this unjust policy, which had disproportionately affected capable workers who had served the state for years.
“I’m pleased to report that we’ve re-engaged a significant number of workers who were unfairly disengaged in the past due to their non-indigeneship. We don’t discriminate based on where you come from. What matters is your contribution to the state, and we will continue to treat all workers fairly and equally,” Otti said, emphasizing his commitment to fostering an inclusive government.
He further revealed that his administration is currently reviewing the cases of the remaining few workers who were disengaged as a result of the non-indigeneship policy, with a view toward fully reintegrating them into the state’s workforce. The governor assured the public that these workers would soon be given the opportunity to return to their positions and continue contributing to the state’s development. “We are reviewing the cases of those who are still out of work, and I’m confident that we will soon reintegrate them. Every capable hand is needed as we move forward to build a better Abia,” he noted.
Governor Otti reiterated that his administration’s goal is to create a civil service where merit and performance are the primary criteria for employment and promotion, rather than ethnicity or place of origin. He pledged that under his leadership, all individuals contributing to the state, regardless of their background, would be treated with fairness and respect.
In conclusion, the governor used the opportunity to reaffirm his administration’s dedication to the welfare of Abia State’s civil servants, stating that his focus is not only on ensuring job security but also on creating a more efficient, motivated, and productive workforce. He urged civil servants to embrace the reforms his government is implementing, noting that these changes are aimed at creating a work environment where everyone can thrive. Otti concluded by calling on all civil servants to support the administration’s efforts by maintaining a strong work ethic and dedication to their duties, emphasizing that the future of the state depends on the collective efforts of both the government and its workforce.
With Governor Otti’s assurances, it is clear that job security for civil servants in Abia State remains intact, and that his administration is more focused on reforming and revitalizing the state’s workforce rather than reducing it. The governor’s commitment to inclusivity, fairness, and productivity offers hope for a brighter future for Abia State’s civil service and the state as a whole.
