By Anne Azuka
The Delta State Government has thrown its weight behind the ongoing screening of civil servants, warning that it will not tolerate falsification of age, abuse of leave of absence, or indecent dressing within the workforce.
Addressing journalists in Asaba, the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, said the exercise was aimed at sanitizing the civil service and restoring integrity.
He explained that many officers had manipulated their records, presenting questionable primary school certificates that suggested they began schooling immediately after birth.
Aniagwu maintained that government would not reverse the decisions of the screening committee, particularly regarding officers advised to proceed on retirement. He added that civil servants who abused leave of absence by staying abroad for years while still drawing salaries would be removed from the payroll, with efforts made to recover funds illegally earned.
On the enforcement of dress codes, Aniagwu stressed that the rules were not new but anchored on provisions of the Civil Service Rules, particularly section 04314 on page 42.
“Every profession has an expected mode of dressing. The civil service requires decency and corporate appearance. Coming to work in spaghetti straps or slippers demeans the image of the service. The civil service is not a free party where people can dress as they please,” he said.
He added that the directive was limited to official hours, emphasizing that workers retained their freedom to dress however they wished outside work.
Aniagwu reiterated that enforcing the dress code was about protecting the image of government and ensuring respect for public institutions. He further affirmed the administration’s commitment to discipline, transparency, and professionalism as part of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda.
However, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Delta State rejected the policy.
Speaking in Asaba, the state NLC Chairman, Comrade Goodluck Ofobruku, said the dress code directive was not well thought out and contravened the Civil Service Rules.
“We are not comfortable with the dress code. Section 04314 only says no officer should dress inappropriately. But the circular issued by the Head of Service is now dictating the specific clothes workers should wear,” Ofobruku said.
He argued that workers could not afford the prescribed attire, such as suits from Monday to Thursday and senator suits or modern caftans on Fridays, without wardrobe allowances.
“Do they know how much it costs to sew one suit? Some senior officials get wardrobe allowance. If they want this policy, they should extend such allowance to all civil servants,” he insisted.
Ofobruku also faulted the directive that plant operators and drivers must wear uniforms without government providing funds for them to sew the uniforms.
He criticized what he described as lack of consultation with labour leaders before issuing the circular, warning that workers would resist any attempt to sanction them over dressing.
“We urge our workers to continue dressing decently as usual. If anyone is victimized, we will take it up. If government insists on punishment, we know what to do. We reject and resist this dress code policy,” Ofobruku stated.
