The Permanent Secretary in the State Establishment Training and Pension Bureau Office of the Head of Service, Mr. Chime Ake has stressed the need for discipline in the service.

Mr. Ake gave the indication in Port Harcourt while declaring open a two week refresher course for Clerical, Sub-Clerical and Allied Staff in the Local Government service.

The Permanent Secretary observed with regret that in spite of the information passed to staff attending the course for the opening session, lateness was noticed among them.

He said that, it was no more business as usual as punctuality and attendance on the part of the staff would be given  top priority during the two week course.

Mr. Ake who said that the two week period to revise the civil service rule was grossly inadequate pointing out that lateness and absenteeism would not be condoned.

He announced that the purchase of hand out by staff was compulsory for the proper understanding of the various courses adding that photo copying was not acceptable.

In his speech, the secretary of the state local government service commission, Barrister Ransome R. Westt said that administration was the key and basket to any set up.

Barrister Westt stated that it was due to the important role played by administration that government considered it essential and vital that the course was organized to enlighten and educate operators.

The secretary advised participants to make adequate use of the opportunity offered then to improve themselves on the performance of their duty to enhance productivity in the service.

He said that although the confirmation, promotion examination was for promotion on the successfully completion of the course, promotion was now based on efficiency and productivity of staff.

Mr. Westt disclosed that as a way to promote punctuality and strict attendance, any staff who reports for lecture late after 30 minutes would lose five marks and advised nursing mothers not to attend lecture with their babies.

And in his speech the Director of Management Services and Training Establishment, Training and Pension Bureau, Mr. Chinda Wali said that the course was organized to guide and assist staff to pass their compulsory examination.

Mr. Wali said that the course would be interaction session between lecturers and staff to refresh them on what they already know.

The Director who is also the co-ordinator of the course stated that unlike previous courses any staff who fails to attend lectures would not be allowed to sit for the examination.