Institutional Integrity: Has Abia Public Service Workers Regained Lost Respect?
Historical Context
Abia State’s civil service has historically been plagued by systemic corruption, ghost workers, unpaid salaries, and nepotism. Under former Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, the civil service faced accusations of mismanagement, including a divisive policy that delayed salaries and recruitment processes criticized for prioritizing clannishness over merit. Pensioners were neglected, with reports of unpaid gratuities stretching back years, culminating in a civil service perceived as dysfunctional and politically compromised.
Governor Alex Otti’s Reform Efforts
Since assuming office in May 2023, Governor Alex Otti has launched ambitious reforms to restore institutional integrity. He eliminated ghost workers through biometric and physical verification exercises, saving funds previously lost to fraud and streamlining salary payments. Otti appointed 24 permanent secretaries based on merit, emphasizing competence over ethnicity. He overhauled dilapidated government buildings and prioritized pension payments before salaries, claiming to have cleared pension arrears. Otti scrapped Ikpeazu’s “core vs. non-core” policy, ensuring uniform salary payments, and introduced technology-driven accountability systems to curb corruption.
Statistics and Mixed Outcomes
Statistics reveal mixed outcomes. Critics argue Otti’s layoffs of 20,000 workers spiked unemployment to 18.7%, while pensioners allege only partial payments and unresolved gratuities. Watchdog groups question the allocation of ₦200 billion to “nonexistent” projects. Despite these challenges, civil servants report timely salaries and improved working conditions. The reopening of the Abia Medical City Project aims to boost healthcare access.
Stories of Progress and Intrigue
Otti’s administration has clashed with Ikpeazu’s supporters over legacy projects, with some accusing Otti of governance centralization and vendetta. Public perception is divided, with some praising Otti’s reforms and others defending Ikpeazu’s tenure. The civil service’s regained respect hinges on sustained transparency, equitable resource distribution, and tangible outcomes for workers and pensioners.
Conclusion: A Work in Progress
In conclusion, Governor Otti’s reforms mark a significant departure from past practices, emphasizing meritocracy and accountability. However, challenges persist, and the true test will be whether institutional integrity translates into lasting public trust. Key takeaways include progress in reducing ghost workers and merit-based appointments, challenges in high unemployment and unresolved pension arrears, and intrigue in political battles over legacy projects and accusations of centralization.
Dr Chukwuemeka Ifegwu Eke writes from Yakubu Gowon University Nigeria
