Abia Civil Service Reinstates Rivers Indigenes

The Abia State Govern

ment has reinstated 58 Rivers State indigenes, that were sacked recently from the former’s civil service. The chairman, Rivers State House of Assembly Committee on Public Complaints and Petitions Hon Michael Chinda, made this known on the floor of the Assembly last Monday while presenting a report on the issue of disengagement of Rivers workers in the Abia State civil service.

Hon Chinda, said the committee in its investigation met with the Abia State Head of Service Chief G.C. Adiele  and other top government officials who admitted that “the disengagement of Rivers indigenes was done out of error” The report also revealed that “disengagement policy of Abia State” was retaliatory and it affects the South-East states, of Imo, Anambra, Ebony and Enugu who displaced Abia State indigenes from their public service. “ “The report also noted that most of the disengaged Rivers  workers were currently undergoing their promotion interviews before their dismissal.

Responding to the report, Chief Whip of the Rivers Assembly, Hon  Ikunyi  Igbani commended the committee for the report and called on the Assembly to monitor the process of reinstatement  through appropriate civil service rules.

In her contribution, Hon Felicia  Tanee, representing Tai Constituency, also commended the committee, stating that, any attempt to disengage Rivers workers again should lead to automatic disengagement of Abia citizens in Rivers State civil service.

Also contributing, Hon Kelechi  Nwogu, representing Omuma Constitutency, called for a letter of reabsorbtion  of the disengaged workers from the Abia civil service, since there was a letter ordering their sack.

It would be recalled that the issue of disengagement of Rivers workers from Abia civil service, was brought to the notice of the Assembly through a motion by Hon. Kelechi  Nwogu, following a petition by the disengaged workers.

Two private bills also received first hearing on the floor of the Assmbly. The first bill bordering on “the Prohibition of Curtailment of the Rights of Women to Share in Family Property in Rivers State and Related Matters”. Was sponsored by Hon Michael  Chinda representing Obio/Akpor Constituency I, while the second bill on “Handicapped Persons Welfare (enchantment) bill 2011, was sponsored by Hon Victoria Nyeche, representing, Port Harcourt Constituency I.

Taneh Beemene