Abia Government halts salary payments for unverified workers

The Abia State government has taken a firm stance, announcing that civil servants who have not undergone the verification exercise will no longer receive their salaries starting from November 2023. Commissioner for Information and Culture, Okey Kanu, made this declaration during a press briefing in Umuahia on Monday, following the executive council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.

Kanu emphasized that the State government had provided a two-week extended period for concerned civil servants to complete the verification process, and those who failed to do so would now face the consequence of salary suspension. He suggested that individuals who were unable to undergo verification could approach the heads of their respective Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to address any issues preventing their verification.

In addition, Kanu revealed that the 197 private schools recently closed in the state might have an opportunity for reopening if they can meet the guidelines and standards set by the State government. He cited poor conditions and a lack of qualified teaching staff as reasons for the initial closure.

The commissioner also hinted at the imminent launch of a Whistleblower policy by the State government. Senior Special Adviser on Special Duties to the Abia State Governor, Betty Emeka-Obasi, confirmed that the names of unverified workers had been posted, advising them to approach the heads of their MDAs for resolution.