Rivers
Rivers Set To Domesticate Federal Scheme Of Service
Worried by the different
interpretations given to the scheme of service guiding advancement/conversion of staff in the civil service, the Rivers State Government has began moves to domesticate the Scheme of Service of the Federal Civil Service.
Speaking while inaugurating the reconstituted Circulars Committee in his office in Port Harcourt, Head of Service, Barr Samuel LongJohn said the move became necessary following incessant complaints over promotion/conversion of unqualified personnel parading professional certificates issued by unrecognised institutions in the country.
He particularly cited the Accountancy profession where some officers have been presenting what he called ‘cloned certificates’ as Accountancy qualifications issued by bodies that were not recognised by law, pointing out that the only recognised bodies as contained in the Scheme of Service are the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN) and the foreign accountancy bodies recognised in their home countries and listed in the Scheme of Service.
“Some people have been parading cloned certificates as Accountancy qualifications issued by bodies that are not recognised by law. Recognition is accorded to professional bodies by the fact that they are duly passed into law by the National Assembly and not by mere registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission under Part C of the Companies and Allied Act, 2004”, the head of service noted.
He explained that while ICAN was created by an Act of Parliament No. 51 of 1st September, 1965, ANAN was established by Act No, 76 of 1993 by the National Assembly, adding that professional bodies such as the Chartered Association of International Accountants of Nigeria, the Institute of Cost and Management Accountants of Nigeria and others that were yet to be backed by an Act of the National Assembly, are not recognised for the purposes of entry, advancement and conversion in the civil service.
Barr LongJohn, who made reference to several cases of improper promotion/conversion of personnel, noted that based on such instances, it was proper that the Federal Civil Service Scheme of Service of 2000 and 2003 is domesticated to suit the peculiar needs of the state.
“The Civil Service is a rules and regulations-driven system, if such abuses are not checked, it may turn to be a service of ‘anything goes’ and reward of laziness”, Barr LongJohn stressed.
He, therefore, charged members of the committee to take the assignment seriously and reach out to all Ministries, Departments and Agencies to get necessary input so that nobody will feel victimised.
Responding, Chairman of the committee, who is also the Permanent Secretary in the Establishments, Training and Pensions Bureau, Mr. Asoelu Ogo, thanked the Head of Service for giving them the opportunity to serve, adding that the assignment to domesticate the Federal Civil Service Scheme of Service, is an added responsibility on the Circulars Committee, promising to do everything possible to do a thorough job and deliver on time.
Members of the reconstituted Circulars Committee include Permanent Secretary, Service Welfare, Mr. Emmanuel Urang his counterparts in the Ministry of Housing, Civil Service Commission and the Deputy Governor’s Office, Mr. Belema Mangibo, Mr. Pius Jeremiah and Evang. Eddy Oloko, the Director of Administration in the Establishment Bureau, Mr. Nnamdi Okpu is to serve as secretary.
The Eze Oha Evo III of Evo Kingdom, Nyerisi Eli Woji (Eze Woji XII), His Majesty, King Prof. Leslie Nyebuchi Eke, Eze Gbakagbaka, has called on communication professionals to rise above routine narratives and become vanguards in rebuilding public trust in the face of Nigeria’s challenging economic realities.
The revered monarch made the charge while delivering the Chairman’s Opening Remarks at the 2025 Annual Conference of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Rivers State Chapter, held in Port Harcourt, with the theme: “Refocusing Stakeholders’ Engagement and Public Trust in a Challenging Economy.”
The event, which drew leading figures in public communication, governance, and industry, witnessed presentations, keynote addresses and robust deliberations aimed at repositioning the PR profession to respond to national realities with innovation and integrity.
In his remarks, HM Eke commended the Rivers State Chapter of NIPR, led by Rev. Francis Asuk, for what he called its unwavering commitment to professionalism, knowledge-sharing, and continuous dialogue on issues affecting the nation’s social and institutional fabric.
He noted that the theme of the conference could not have been more appropriate, considering the current national climate where public confidence in institutions is at an all-time low, and economic uncertainties have strained relationships between stakeholders and the state.
“We are living in a season when trust has become a scarce commodity. Citizens are asking tough questions, and institutions are struggling to maintain credibility. In such a time, the role of the Public Relations professional becomes even more crucial”, he said.
The Eze Gbakagbaka, who is the Chairman, Supreme Forum of Ikwerre Government Recognized Traditional Rulers, noted that Public Relations practitioners must understand their strategic role as mediators between the people and the truth, adding that the tools of their trade: honest communication, transparency, and empathy, must be wielded with renewed purpose and patriotism.
“You are the bridge between the people and the truth; between perception and reality. Your work determines whether society believes, doubts, or hopes again. Let this conference remind us that trust is not demanded, it is earned”, he urged.
He emphasized that the restoration of trust in both public and private sectors requires consistent, deliberate, and sincere stakeholder engagement.
According to him, when communication is driven by integrity, not propaganda, society will gradually find its voice and confidence once again.
“With transparent communication and genuine engagement, even in a difficult economy, confidence can be restored”, the monarch said, urging the delegates to see themselves not just as professionals, but as nation-builders with a moral obligation to influence public perception positively.
The Evo apex King, who is also a Fellow of the Institute, called on participants to approach the discussions with open minds and patriotic intent, stressing that every contribution must be geared towards rebuilding national cohesion and institutional trust.
“With a deep sense of honour and responsibility”, he declared, “I, His Majesty, King Leslie Nyebuchi Eke, JP, Eze Gbakagbaka, Eze Oha Evo III of Evo Kingdom, Nyerisi Eli Woji (Eze Woji XII) and Chairman, Supreme Forum of Ikwerre Government Recognized Traditional Rulers, formally declare open the 2025 Annual Conference of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Rivers State Chapter to the glory of God and for the good of our society.”
At a post conference courtesy call at the instance of the Eze Gbakagbaka, the President of the Association, Dr. Ike Neliaku, described the Kung as an astute Fellow who is determined to add colour to the Institute regardless of any odds.
Also, the Council Member, Pastor Palunius Nsirim, who corroborated the President’s position, noted that His Majesty’s recognition was something valid given his contributions to the growth of the association.
“We value your presence with us. We will continue to benefit from your wise counsel. We won’t take your support for granted”, he said.
Climax of the visit was the decoration of Dr. Neliaku by the Evo apex King as a Honorary citizen of the Kingdom.
By: King Onunwor