The Bayelsa State Governor, Mr. Seriake Dickson, had said that a legal framework would be put in place at the end of the verification exercise in the state Public Service to insulate the service from all forms of fraudulent practices and promote service delivery.
A press statement by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Francis Ottah Agbo, noted that the governor made the assertion on Monday during a meeting with members of the Public Service Reforms Committees in Government House, Yenagoa.
Governor Dickson said the reforms would afford the state government the opportunity to collate reliable data of the workforce and block all loopholes and wastages.
The governor vowed to continue with the reforms, stressing that the reforms have come to stay for the overall interest of the state.
Dickson, who called for more support, insisted that it is only those who are culpable that are kicking against the reforms, assuring the residents that genuine workers need not to be apprehensive.
He said a lot of gains have already been recorded, including reduction in the monthly wage bill, improvement in work ethics and attendance following the measures that have been put in place.
He said: “There are legislations that will follow arising from what we have seen on account of these reforms. A number of steps would be taken; some will be policy decisions while others will be legislative in nature. But all in all, on the basis of the reports that have been given to me, the reforms are going on very well.
“For the few people that may be adversely affected, they have nothing to lose. Committees are in place to attend to genuine complaints if any and address them once proved. These reforms are aimed at repositioning our service to make it more result oriented, block wastages and leakages in the system, to create room for professionalism and also collate reliable data that will form the records of our public service which were not there before.
“We are doing what is good and because of that, we have said it over and over again, that there is no going back on these reforms. I want to use this opportunity to call on the state to show more understanding and support. But for those who deliberately misinform our people, I urge them to stop forthwith.
“As far as I’m concerned, it is only those who have things to hide that are complaining. If you are a hard working civil servant playing by the rules, doing your job diligently and you don’t have fake certificates, you have not gone to purchase grade level and steps or involved in any of these things that the reforms are meant to address, then you have nothing to lose.â€
Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (rtd); Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Hon. Konbowei Benson; the Head of Service, Rev. Thomas Zidafamor; Chairman of the state Civil Service Commission, Dr. Peter Singabele; the various local government councils chairmen were among those who attended the meeting.
