Otti Targets Good Governance in Abia with Civil Service Reforms, Says Aide

Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia

The  Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Due Process,  Dr. Chibueze Ukaegbu, has said that the ongoing reform of Abia State’s civil service would engender a total break from the old ways of doing government business and usher in effective transparent governance.

Ukaegbu stated this while speaking with journalists on the ongoing wind of reforms blowing across Abia State. 

Governor Alex Otti had last week inaugurated a nine-member Civil Service Reform Committee, composed of individuals with diverse range of expertise, with Ukaegbu as the chairman.

“This assembly of experienced professionals underscores the seriousness with which the committee’s mandate is being pursued,” Ukaegbu said.

Other members of the committee are the State Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Mr. Ikechukwu Uwanna; Commissioner for Science and Technology, Mr. Emmanuel Oriaku and Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Chinedu Ekeke.

Other members of the committee are the Special Adviser on Policies and Interventions, Rev. Father Christian Anokwuru; the Account General of the State, Dr. Njum Onyemenam; Mr. Matthew Ekwuribe, Dr. Sylvester Ibeneme and Mr. Ogbonna Izima.

The committee is entrusted with the pivotal task of reviewing the existing civil service structure and the command promotions carried out from 2007 to the present day, alongside other essential matters.

The chairman of the reform committee explained that the governor’s decision to set up the committee “stems from the recognition of the crucial role that a well-functioning civil service plays in translating government policies into actionable outcomes.”

He said that “a reformed civil service will contribute to the creation of a new Abia that caters to the needs of its populace.”

He stated that Otti is resolute in his decision to run a government characterised by due process, hence he has taken deliberate steps to make the civil service fall in tune with his vision.

Ukaegbu re-echoed the governor’s emphasis that the committee was not set up for targeting individuals, but rather at creating a better civil service for the benefit of all.

He said: “By establishing the committee, Governor Otti’s administration is demonstrating transparency and accountability in addressing the issues within the civil service.

 “The committee’s mandate to review appointments, promotions, and dismissals from 2007 to the present day reflects a commitment to fair and equitable review.

“This process aims to ensure that decisions made in the past were in accordance with established procedures and that any inconsistencies or biases are identified and rectified.”

In order to achieve the set goal, the committee was empowered to make “appropriate recommendations” to improve various aspects of the civil service, including attendance, discipline, and addressing pensioner concerns.

The chairman of the committee said that recommendations would “be based on a thorough review of existing processes and practices.

 “Considering recommendations is an integral part of the Due Process, as it ensures that decisions are informed by comprehensive analysis and input from experts.”