Xmas: Work Resumes In PH After Holidays

The lull experienced in Port Harcourt on Tuesday and Wednesday came to an end yesterday as people who travelled out of the city returned after the public holidays.

However, most offices recorded low turnout as workers resumed duty after the two-day public holiday declared by the Federal Government to celebrate this year’s Christmas.

Long fuel queues were visible at many filling stations as banks resumed normal services with many customers transacting businesses. Heavy vehicular traffic was also experienced on major streets as those who travelled to spend the Christmas and Boxing Day holidays with their families returned to work.

The Tide gathered however, that many civil servants were yet to return to work as they prepare to spend the rest of the week with their families to enjoy the New Year.

Some workers were of the opinion that there would not be much activity at the ministries and agencies, and would prefer to wait till after the New Year holiday to resume work.

They blamed this on non-punishment of those who defy the rules and take more than the government approved public holidays.

“Some of these civil servants will not resume work until next year and you will see that the government will not take any drastic action against them.”

They advised government at all the levels to enforce public service rules that would punish civil servants who failed to comply with regulations.

Tuesday, January 1, 2013 has also been announced as a public holiday except for those on essential duties.

Rivers State Commissioner for Urban Development, Dr Tammy Danagogo (right), with his Chieftaincy and Community Affairs counterpart, Hon Charles Okaye, during the 90th Quarterly Meeting of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, in Port Harcourt, recently.