By Monday Eze
The Ebonyi State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Uchenna Igwe, has ordered an investigation into the continued retention of the names of deceased and retired workers on the payrolls of some Development Centres across the state.
The directive followed discoveries made during the ongoing Accountability Tour of the 64 Development Centres in the state, an initiative of the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters aimed at assessing governance, financial accountability and service delivery at the grassroots.
The exercise, which commenced last week, is designed to evaluate the inflow and utilisation of public resources in the Development Centres, while ensuring strict compliance with the Francis Nwifuru administration's policy of zero tolerance for corruption.
Speaking during the tour, Igwe expressed displeasure over what he described as the unacceptable retention of deceased and retired personnel in the nominal rolls of some Development Centres, warning that the government would not tolerate any practice capable of undermining transparency and accountability in the public service.
"It is unacceptable for the names of dead and retired workers to remain on the payroll. Such practices encourage corruption and undermine the government's commitment to accountability and prudent management of public resources," the commissioner said.
He directed all Heads of Administration in the Development Centres to commence monthly submission of updated staff nominal rolls to the Ministry before the end of every month for reconciliation with salary vouchers ahead of salary payments.
According to him, the measure is intended to eliminate payroll irregularities, prevent the proliferation of ghost workers and strengthen transparency in personnel administration at the grassroots.
Igwe stressed that the administration of Governor Francis Nwifuru, through its People's Charter of Needs agenda, places high premium on workers' welfare and would not hesitate to sanction any official found engaging in corrupt practices or acts capable of sabotaging government policies.
"The People's Charter of Needs administration has made workers' welfare a priority. Therefore, anyone found sabotaging the system through corruption, indiscipline or the encouragement of ghost workers will be made to face the full weight of the law," he warned.
The commissioner explained that the Accountability Tour is assessing the performance of the Development Centres under three broad categories, including the execution of legacy infrastructure projects, implementation of human capital development programmes, and the relationship between Development Centre administrations, political stakeholders and residents.
He added that the exercise also involves administrative evaluation through open roll calls and physical verification of staff to ascertain the actual workforce in each Development Centre.
According to him, the ongoing assessment has so far provided valuable insights into governance and administrative practices across the grassroots councils, while a comprehensive report will be released upon the completion of the exercise.
Igwe also announced the commencement of the implementation of Governor Nwifuru's approved ₦20,000 salary increase for workers in the Development Centres, describing the initiative as another demonstration of the administration's commitment to improving workers' welfare.
He assured that the Accountability Tour would continue in the remaining local government areas of the state as part of efforts to deepen transparency, strengthen institutional accountability and improve service delivery across Ebonyi's grassroots administration.
