By Eugenia Oguneme
The recent development within the Anambra State Civil Service has brought renewed focus to the urgent need for reform, discipline, and institutional rebirth in the system.
This however, followed the recent visit of Governor of Anambra State , Prof. Chukwuma Soludo to the state secretariat, a visit widely regarded as both symbolic and strategic in signaling a new era of accountability and efficiency in public service.
Consequence to this transformatory agenda , the leadership of the Head of Service, under Barr. Ngozi Iwunoh, whose commitment to restoring the dignity, integrity, and professionalism of the civil service is becoming increasingly evident.
Administratively, she has begin to confront long-standing challenges of misconducts, particularly the entrenched culture of lateness, absenteeism, and lack of commitment among some workers.
These corrective measures are not merely administrative but moral in tone. As reflected in the biblical passage in Matthew 24:3 — where the disciples of Christ asked him, “Tell us, when will these things happen, and what will be the sign of your coming?” — there is a call for vigilance, preparedness, and accountability among the workers.
This evolution has resonated stronger effective checks within the present context, where public servants are expected to demonstrate a renewed dedication to duty to help develop the State
It is therefore, with a particularly concern that, in the aftermath of the Easter holidays, some civil servants have continued the practice of prolonging their absence from work with various other excuses. Such attitudes undermine the collective progress of the system and must be decisively addressed.
Efforts to speak with some of the workers by the information officers, there were no palpable reasons. We, therefore, strongly advised all to align with themselves with the expectations of the new order or risk facing appropriate disciplinary measures.
The present administration has made it clear, on several occasions that indiscipline will no longer be tolerated. A culture of excellence, punctuality, and responsibility is being institutionalized, marking a decisive shift from the era of complacency to one performance-driven service delivery.
Reactions from within the civil service tend to show a growing support for these reforms in the State , applauding the new Head of Service for her bold and proactive approach in reviving the lost prestige of the state civil service in Anambra State.
Eugenia is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
