Abia State Governor Alex Otti has firmly declared that there are no plans to sack any state workers, addressing concerns during a media chat on Friday in Umuahia.
Otti emphasized his administration’s commitment to improving the efficiency and productivity of the state civil service without resorting to mass retrenchment.
Otti disclosed this during a media chat on Friday in Umuahia.
“There is no mass retrenchment planned. We haven’t even considered it. There’s nothing in the pipeline,” Otti stated. He reassured the public that his administration’s focus is on enhancing the state civil service rather than reducing its workforce.
Otti highlighted that timely salary payments have already improved efficiency among civil servants. “Before the end of every month, they get paid, so there is no excuse for truancy anymore,” he said. The governor attributed any concerns about retrenchment to guilt over poor work habits, warning that absenteeism would no longer be tolerated.
Addressing the issue of previous disengagements of workers based on non-indigeneship, Otti expressed satisfaction that many affected individuals have been re-engaged. He revealed that his administration is currently reviewing the cases of the remaining disengaged workers with the goal of reintegrating them into the state workforce.
Otti reiterated his commitment to a non-discriminatory government, stating that all individuals contributing to the state, regardless of their origin, will be treated fairly. “As a principle, people should not be judged based on where they come from. In our administration, there are people who do not come from this state but have been given appointments because we believe that if you live in Abia, you are part of Abia,” he said.
The governor emphasized that his administration’s policy is to treat everyone equally, irrespective of their place of origin. He assured that cases of those disengaged due to their origin are being reviewed positively, with particular attention to those still present in the state.
“We are looking at the cases of those who are still with us. Unfortunately, we cannot address cases involving those who have passed away, but for those still here, we are reviewing their cases with a positive outlook,” Otti concluded.
