...it complies with Civil Service regulations, states the Head of State Bayelsa stateThe Head of Service (HoS), Dr. Wisdom Sawyer, over the ...
...it complies with Civil Service regulations, states the Head of State
Bayelsa stateThe Head of Service (HoS), Dr. Wisdom Sawyer, over the weekend prevented approximately seven non-indigene officials within the state's civil service from taking a competency examination.
It was reported that the affected directors were already present at the Rooftop Auditorium, Bayelsa Medical University, the location of the test in Yenagoa, when Sawyer issued a directive prohibiting non-indigenes from taking the exam.
The skills assessment, as stated in Sawyer's notice, took place on Friday and Saturday for directors at Grade levels 16 and 17 from 9 am until 4 pm.
It has been reported that the test was being conducted in anticipation of some individuals being appointed as permanent secretaries by the state Governor, Senator Douye Diri.
The behavior of Sawyer was reported to have created resentment among other directors, who were displeased with the embarrassment the situation brought to their colleagues.
It was reported that Sawyer acted independently, since there was no evidence that Governor Diri issued such an order.
Reliable sources, who wished to remain anonymous, stated that the directive instructing non-indigenous candidates, who had also been selected for the test, to exit the room surprised them greatly.
One of them remarked, "We were all taken aback by the situation. These same non-indigenous individuals have dedicated themselves to the state's civil service, advancing through the ranks to become directors. Why would anyone consider halting their participation in a competency test in such a disgraceful way? Why were they even selected for the test initially?"
Additionally, not every individual who took the exam will have the opportunity to be appointed as a permanent secretary by the governor. The selection of permanent secretaries lies solely with the governor. The Head of Service should have permitted non-indigenes to take the test and then let the governor make the final decision regarding the appointment of permanent secretaries.
Another reference questioned the origin of Sawyer's abilities, criticized the assertions, and stated that they violated the civil service regulation against discrimination.
"We are all aware that Governor Diri did not issue this instruction. The manner in which they were asked to exit the hall was humiliating and inhumane. Civil service regulations do not permit such discrimination," he stated.
The sources urged Diri's involvement to prevent the hostility and disputes already caused by Sawyer's discriminatory decree.
Exonerating Diri from any fault, one of the sources, who is connected to the governor, stated, "Gov. Diri is a non-tribal leader and would never issue such an anti-Nigerian directive, which is dehumanizing for those affected by it, as they were asked to leave the hall. This is a governor who has a cabinet member, Mazi Onuma Johnson, from Abia State; he is a non-tribal leader. The HoS aims to tarnish his reputation."
However, Sawyer, who verified the development during a phone interview, quickly responded to his detractors, stating that the position of the permanent secretary in Bayelsa was exclusively for local residents.
He mentioned that the pre-qualification test for permanent secretaries was conducted based on the local government from which they originated.
Sawyer stated, "The Permanent Secretary position is reserved for individuals who are natives of Bayelsa State by local government, following our state's regulations. Which LGA are they from? For permanent secretaries, you have to specify per LGA, which one will they mention? I acted in accordance with the public service rules."
At the federal level, if you are from Kogi and got married in Rivers, you will use the Kogi State slot for the position of permanent Secretary, and the role of permanent Secretary is determined per LGA in Bayelsa. As a permanent Secretary, you represent your LGA and constituency. So, which LGA and which constituency am I taking over?
But we hired them (non-indigenes) and appointed them as directors. It's acceptable. They are capable of handling it. Not everyone should remain a permanent Secretary. Therefore, it was the right decision, and if given another chance, I would do the same because my focus is on the Bayelsans, not the non-indigenes.
The rules stated that it must be natives. It could also refer to someone who became a native through marriage, and this status needs to be documented in the records when you joined the civil service.
Typically, when you join the civil service, if you are from Brass, you should specify Brass LGA, which will stay in your record until you retire. One individual filled Sagbama LGA, but his mother is from Brass. As the exam approached, he came to claim he is from Brass, but we told him no, whatever you submitted is what will be used.
He characterized the skills assessment carried out by his government as the most effective and well-organized in the state, stating that all participants were provided with an equitable opportunity.
Sawyer mentioned that even individuals with physical disabilities were permitted to take the exam, noting that for the first time, all level 16 directors from every local government area were allowed to participate in the test.
Sawyer mentioned that a portion of the assessment involved candidates writing a memo to the governor, and he questioned why some individuals felt uneasy about the questions.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
