…reiterates his administration’s resolve to maintain a disciplined, efficient, and responsive Anambra civil service.
Anambra Civil Service | The iNews Times | Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has ordered the immediate suspension of civil servants found absent from duty after 10 a.m., following his surprise inspection of the state secretariat in Awka.
The governor carried out the on-the-spot assessment across ministries and departments on Thursday, evaluating workers’ punctuality, conduct, and overall commitment. Speaking to journalists after the visit, Soludo warned that absenteeism and poor work ethic would no longer be tolerated.
“I walked office by office, and a significant number of workers were not at their posts as at past 10 a.m. This is unacceptable. The ‘bad eggs’ will be fished out because Anambra is an A-state and cannot afford an inefficient civil service,” he said.
Describing his findings as a mix of “the good, the bad and the ugly,” Soludo commended diligent workers while expressing disappointment at the level of absenteeism among some staff. He emphasized that the state government is committed to building a disciplined, agile, and result-oriented workforce.
“Firm measures will be taken to check these attitudes in the civil service. Our administration has invested heavily in improving infrastructure and working conditions at the secretariat. Workers should reciprocate with dedication and productivity,” the governor added.
The suspension order applies to any civil servant who failed to report for duty by 10 a.m., with pay withheld until further notice. Soludo’s directive underscores his administration’s ongoing reforms to strengthen the efficiency of the Anambra civil service and enforce accountability.
Officials noted that the surprise inspection is part of broader measures to institutionalize discipline and promote productivity among state workers. The governor’s approach follows several initiatives in recent years aimed at improving service delivery and ensuring that public servants contribute effectively to the state’s development.
Background on Reforms
Since taking office, Governor Soludo has focused on modernizing the Anambra civil service through targeted reforms. These include investment in office infrastructure, provision of modern working tools, and capacity-building programs for staff.
Despite these efforts, absenteeism and poor performance among some civil servants have persisted, prompting the governor to adopt more stringent measures. The surprise inspection, officials say, is intended to send a clear message that commitment, punctuality, and accountability are non-negotiable.
Soludo also highlighted the role of a disciplined workforce in achieving the state government’s broader development agenda, which includes improving public service efficiency, attracting investments, and ensuring rapid socio-economic growth.
“This is not about punishing workers arbitrarily; it is about setting standards and expectations,” Soludo said. “A well-disciplined civil service ensures that policies and projects are implemented effectively, and citizens receive the services they deserve.”
Reactions from Workers and the Public
While some civil servants expressed concern over the suspension directive, others welcomed the move as a step towards accountability. Many observers have argued that strict enforcement of punctuality and performance standards could boost morale among diligent workers while reducing inefficiency in the system.
Members of the public, who often rely on civil servants for critical services, have praised the governor for taking a tough stance on absenteeism. “It is about time someone took action. People deserve efficient services, and this kind of leadership will encourage workers to take their responsibilities seriously,” said a resident of Awka.
Looking Ahead
Governor Soludo reiterated his administration’s resolve to maintain a disciplined, efficient, and responsive Anambra civil service. Officials note that similar surprise inspections will continue across ministries and departments to monitor compliance and ensure that reforms translate into tangible improvements in service delivery.
“This is part of a broader vision to professionalize the civil service, reward hard work, and ensure accountability at all levels,” the governor said. “We have invested in our workforce, and now it is time for them to match that with commitment and performance.”
The directive serves as a warning to all state employees: punctuality, dedication, and efficiency are central to the Soludo administration’s governance agenda. As Anambra continues to position itself as a model state for development and public service reform, the emphasis on disciplined and result-oriented civil service is expected to be a cornerstone of its success.
