Anambra HoS Warns Civil Servants Against Misconduct

The Anambra State Head of Service, Ngozi Anuli Iwouno, has warned that acts of misconduct, absenteeism and indiscipline in the state civil service will no longer be tolerated.

Mrs Iwouno gave the warning during an unscheduled inspection visit to the secretariats of Ihiala and Ekwusigo Local Government Areas on Friday, May 15, as part of efforts to assess workers’ compliance with service rules and commitment to duty.

The visit, according to the Head of Service, aligns with the directive of the Governor of Anambra State, Charles Chukwuma Soludo, to reposition the state civil service into a disciplined, efficient and result-driven workforce.

Mrs Iwouno expressed concern over what she described as a high level of nonchalance and unprofessional conduct among some workers, noting that the situation was evident in both their attitude to work and mode of dressing.

She described the rate of lateness and absenteeism observed during the visit as “disheartening” and contrary to the administration’s vision of building a prosperous Anambra State.

The Head of Service also criticised the absence of senior management staff and heads of departments in the local government offices during her inspection, which took place around 10:00am.

She warned that misconduct in the civil service, including falsification of age records, would attract disciplinary measures in line with public service regulations.

Mrs Iwouno subsequently directed workers of Ihiala Local Government Area and staff of Ekwusigo Local Government Area who were absent from duty as of 10:34am to report to her office in Awka for what she described as “special disciplinary action”.

She stressed that the administration of Governor Soludo would no longer tolerate laxity or indiscipline in the public service, urging workers to either adapt to evolving standards of service delivery or voluntarily resign if unable to meet expectations.

The Head of Service, however, commended workers who were present at their duty posts and encouraged them to remain dedicated to their responsibilities.

She added that unscheduled inspections would continue across ministries, departments and agencies in the state as part of efforts to strengthen accountability and improve service delivery to residents.

Mrs Iwouno was accompanied on the visit by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Ifeoma Agbaizu; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Martin Agbili; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Chinyere Nwabachili; and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Power and Water Resources, Victor Ezekwo.