HOS Assures Fairness On Tenure Policy

Directors in the State Public Service have been assured that the implementation of the new tenure policy will be fair to assuage any adverse effect it would have on the service and the affected staff.

The Head of Service (HOS), Barrister Samuel LongJohn gave the assurance at a meeting he held with substantive Directors in the State Public Service in Port Harcourt.

Barrister LongJohn, who advised them to come up with practical suggestions on the best way to implement the policy, said that it was now mandatory for all Directors who aspire to be appointed as Permanent Secretaries to write examinations to be conducted at certain intervals.

He. However, pointed out that the system would be reformed by way of organising tutorials to provide a level playing field for all participants, adding that results of their scores would be released to enable them assess their performances.

Responding to comments on the implementation of Grade level 17 for Directors and the non-payment of promotion arrears, the Head of Service said modalities have been put in place to work out the financial implications, while the issue of promotion arrears would be discussed with the Chairman of the Civil Service Commission to see what could be done as well as ensure that promotion exercises are conducted as and when due, to avoid backlog.

Barrister LongJohn, who frowned at the undue delay in processing documents of retirees, enjoined all working relationship with their permanent secretaries and commissioners, and adhere strictly to hierarchy.

He used the forum to enjoin Directors of Administration in all ministries, departments and agencies to always cooperate with his staff by sending monthly nominal rolls to his office for  regular update of the data base.

The meeting also discussed issues ranging from tenure policy, implementation of Grade level 17 for Directors, allocation of Cars to Directors, non-payment of promotion arrears, delay in payment of retirement benefits, among others.

A position paper was also presented to the Head of Service by the Chairman of the Directors’ Forum, Chief Jonathan Gunn for submission to the State Governor for consideration on issues affecting the Directors and effective service delivery.

The meeting was attended by he Permanent Secretary, Service Welfare, Mr. Lambert Ekwueme, the Director of Administration, Mrs Josephine Chukuigwe, Director, Computer Department, Mr. Ernest Chapp-Jumbo and over 250 substantive Directors.