By Nzeabi Eucharia, Asaba
Delta State Government has expressed full support for the ongoing screening of civil servants, emphasizing that it will no longer tolerate acts such as age falsification, unauthorized prolonged absence, or indecent dressing among its workforce.
Addressing journalists in Asaba, the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, said the exercise is aimed at sanitizing the civil service and restoring its integrity. He revealed that several civil servants had manipulated their personal records—particularly their dates of birth—by presenting questionable primary school certificates suggesting they started school shortly after birth.
Aniagwu stressed that the state government stands firmly behind the screening committee and will not overturn its decisions, including recommendations for compulsory retirement.
“Any officer who has been advised to retire by the committee will proceed as directed. The government fully endorses those decisions,” he stated. “We cannot continue to allow individuals who falsify their age or live abroad for years while still receiving salaries from the state’s payroll.”
He disclosed that civil servants who abused leave of absence and stayed abroad for extended periods while drawing salaries would be removed from the payroll, with measures taken to recover funds wrongfully paid to them.
Speaking on the enforcement of the civil service dress code, Aniagwu clarified that the rules are not new but are based on provisions in the Civil Service Rules—specifically section 04314, page 42. He explained that the aim is to maintain the dignity of the public service.
“Every profession has its dress expectations. When you come to the office in spaghetti straps or bathroom slippers, you diminish the image of the civil service,” he said. “The workplace is not a social gathering. We are not dictating how people dress at home or in social spaces, but during official hours, decency is non-negotiable.”
Aniagwu added that enforcing the dress code is part of efforts to preserve the image of the government and promote respect for public institutions.
He reiterated the administration’s commitment to reforms, noting that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s government remains focused on discipline, transparency, and professionalism in the civil service as part of its MORE Agenda.
