Soludo Orders Probe as Absentee Civil Servants Face Disciplinary Panel in Anambra

 By MaryAnn Chukwuma

Civil servants found absent from duty during an unannounced inspection by Chukwuma Soludo have appeared before a disciplinary panel in Anambra State, as authorities move to enforce compliance with public service rules.

The panel convened on 13 April at the Office of the Head of Service, Jerome Udorji Secretariat Complex in Awka. It is chaired by Permanent Secretary Mrs Nkiru Jessie Nwankwo, alongside other senior officials.

Addressing those summoned, Mrs Nwankwo said absenteeism and habitual lateness constitute violations of the Civil Service Rules and amount to a breach of contract. She stressed that the current administration is pursuing reforms aimed at strengthening efficiency and accountability across the state workforce.

She urged the affected staff to recommit to their duties, citing the Head of Service, Ngozi Anuli Iwouno, as an example of professional conduct. While acknowledging that the establishment of the panel was not taken lightly, she said it was necessary to uphold standards and restore discipline within the service.

Officials also reminded workers of established procedures requiring prior notification and approval in cases of lateness or absence.

A member of the panel, Barrister Chuma Uwolloh of the Civil Service Commission, described public service as a “serious responsibility” and warned that continued non-compliance would attract sanctions, particularly at a time of broader administrative reforms in the state.

Separately, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Mrs Nwabachili Chinyere, cautioned against the practice of treating government employment as secondary to private business interests, describing it as a breach of service regulations.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Culture, Entertainment and Tourism, Mr Jerome Ilokwu, said the process remains at the assessment and inquiry stage. He noted that outcomes would depend on individual responses to official queries and would be communicated in due course.

The proceedings, observers say, signal a firmer approach by the Anambra State Government towards enforcing discipline and improving performance within the civil service.