The Rivers State Local Government Service Commission has called on staff of the commission to redouble their efforts with a view to improving productivity.
Secretary of the Commission, Mr. Michael Elenwo, gave the charge at a one-day capacity building workshop for staff of the Commission in Port Harcourt organised by the commission in conjunction with Sianuka Ventures.
Elenwo said the Commission is worried over the poor altitude to work and low quality of staff performances in the unified local government service.
While describing the theme of the workshop, “Capacity Building For staff Of The Local Government Service Commission”, as apt, he said “As the theme suggest, you will agree with me that for sometimes now, the level of performances amongst staff of the Unified Local Government Service of the State has nosedived.
“There is general laxity, apathy, high level of absenteeism and so many other vices not expected of a bureaucrat that is supposed to be the hall mark of service
“Most chairman have raised issues with this, such that some have resorted to over generalised stoppages of Salary payment, including even those who are trying their best”, he said.
Elenwo said, the Commission is however working hard to provide solution to the identified malaise in the system.
“As the organization vested with the mandate to discipline, promote, and train staff of the unified local government service in the state, it becomes imperative for us as a body to seek solutions to the identified malaise.
“As a dictum in human resource management States,’An organisation is as good as it manpower’, this implies that for the unfied local government councils in the state to effectively deliver quality service to the people at the grassroots, it is a function of the capacity of human resources of the councils,” he said.
In his lecture titled, “Organisational Structure Of Local Government And Functions Of Local Government Service Commission,” Dr. Gwarah Nuka Lekia, described the Local Government Service Commission as a regulating valve.
“The Local Government Service Commission serves as a regulating valve .The role of the LGSC in manpower development and training in the unified local and service of the
state and country is very important to ensure good performance of the employees, and, by extension, the local governments.
“The manpower of any organization is its life blood. The success or failure of our local governments depends on their human resources.
“Therefore, the Local Government Service Commission should understand that its task of manpower training and development is very crucial to the overall performance of the local government service system.” he said.
On his path, Dr.Gbarade, who presented a paper on ‘Communication’, said effective communication has become necessary in the system.
A release signed by Edi Phillip, Press Secretary to the Commission, also mentioned others that presented papers at the seminar as Dr. Parbon Baribene Gbara,and Charles Wali.

By: John Bibor