Taraba Head of Service Clarifies Screening Exercise, Denies Labeling Civil Servants As Ghost Workers
From Hilary John
The Taraba State Head of the Civil Service has clarified his earlier comments on the ongoing staff screening exercise, saying his remarks were misunderstood and misrepresented in the media and on social platforms.
Dr Hamidu Ahmed Kara
Speaking during an interview, he explained that the government had concluded part of its verification exercise and discovered about 6,300 names that should not ordinarily be on the payroll of Government.
Out of this number, he said about 3,100 individuals physically appeared during the screening at Bureau for Local Government, Traditions and Chieftaincy Affairs, where officials interfaced with them, collected their records and submitted the details to the Government.
According to him, the Governor directed that these individuals be assessed to determine whether they are employable and formal approval sought to employ them appropriately.
He said some of them had their names inserted into the payroll without applying, appearing for interview, employed or given appointment letters, while others purchased or were issued fake appointment letters. All of them have no files in the office they claimed to be working.
The aim, he said, is to regularize those who are genuinely qualified for employment and employ civil servants through legal means.
He stressed that he never described civil servants as ghost workers. Instead, he said the term “ghost workers” applies strictly to about 3,000 individuals who completely failed to appear for screening and could not be accounted for. Their names, he said, have been removed from the payroll.
The Head of Service also noted that those who found themselves on the payroll without proper employment and were collecting salaries without working had committed an offence.
However, he maintained that this statement was not directed at legitimate civil servants.
He urged anyone who feels aggrieved to channel their complaints through the appropriate labour offices.
He added that individuals with valid appointment letters who have not been paid should come forward for re-verification, assuring that anyone found eligible will be paid.
On the payment of verified workers, he disclosed that the 1,410 that were screened and cleared, the Governor has approved their payments.
“While some have started receiving their salaries, others are yet to be paid. His Excellency has been duly informed”.
He appealed to affected workers to be patient as the issues are being resolved at the Accountant General’s Office.
He assured that funds are available and that all workers who were screened and cleared will receive their full salaries and arrears without delay.
