By Austin Ogwuda
… says “When you come to work in spaghetti straps or slippers, you demean the image of the service”
… the Civil Service is not a free party where people can dress as they please.
Despite mounting criticisms in condemnation of the newly rolled out Dress Code in the Delta State including the State leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress, who had already asked the Civil Servants to shun it, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is insisting that it won’t be reversed.
The Governor made this position known through the State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu while addressing the press on Monday.
He emphasized that dress code for Civil Servants were not new but anchored on provisions of the Civil Service Rules, particularly section 04314 on page 42.
He also noted that just as every profession has an expected mode of dressing, the Civil Service requires its workforce to appear decent and corporate.
Said he, “When you come to work in spaghetti straps or slippers, you demean the image of the service. The civil service is not a free party where people can dress as they please.
“We are not telling you how to dress at home, in church, or at nightclubs. But during official hours, we expect decency”.
He maintained that enforcing the dress code was about protecting the image of the government and ensuring respect for public institutions.
On the on-going screening of Civil Servants undertaken by the State Civil Service Commission, Aniagwu said the screening exercise was designed to sanitize the service and restore integrity.
He explained that many officers had manipulated their records by presenting unrealistic primary school certificates that made it appear as though they began school immediately after birth.
Aniagwu stated that the government would equally not reverse the decisions of the Screening Committee, especially on officers advised to proceed on retirement.
He added that those who had abused leave of absence by staying abroad for years while still drawing salaries from Delta State’s payroll would be removed, with steps taken to recover funds illegally earned.
His words, “If there is anybody that has been advised by the screening committee to retire, government fully supports that decision.
“We cannot continue to accommodate individuals who falsify their age or live abroad while collecting salaries meant for those working here”.
*The new Dress Code in contention
