RSG Explains Ban On Employment Of Messengers, Cleaners

The Rivers State Government says its decision to phase out cleaners and messengers from its civil service is to stop stressing the old men and women engaged in such services.

The State Deputy Governor, Engr. Tele Ikuru, while speaking during the 3rd edition of the State Inter-Governmental Forum at Government House, Port Harcourt today, said agencies that require the services of messengers, cleaners and security guards could do so by hiring them instead of employing the aged who according to him, “cannot bend down to sweep or asking an old man to cut grass”.

Engr. Ikuru, who decried attempts by certain individuals to undermine the efforts of government at developing the State, urged top government functionaries to refocus on ways of realising the goals of the present administration with a view to improving the living standards of the people.

He reiterated government’s determination to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people and urged civil servants in the State to discharge their duties efficiently to enhance productivity .

The Deputy Governor explained that the forum was to cement the synergy among all top government functionaries as team players in governance and emphasised the need for harmonious existence of the various ministries and departments.

He told the forum that all decisions reached would stand the test of time, saying “what we need is get it right at the beginning so that it will continue for posterity”.

On the need to make e-govemance work in the State, .he urged all ministries, parastatals, agencies and local government councils to establish ICT centres in their offices where workers can access the Internet, while directing them to forward list of staffers to be trained in ICT.