The Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti has ordered the reversal of all ‘command promotions’ granted within the state’s civil service over the past eight years.
Command promotions refer to special promotions granted by the governor without following the normal public service promotions processes.
In a circular titled ” Reversal of all command promotions in the Abia Public service” issued by the Head of Service, Mrs. Ngozi Obioma, the state government mandated all affected public servants to revert to their previous ranks and salary grades before the April 2023 promotions.
The decision which takes effect from July 1, 2024, according to Obioma is aimed at upholding the integrity of the public service by ensuring adherence to established Public Service Rules and Regulations.
Obioma added that the move would also restore normalcy, seniority, and the sanctity of service, which had been compromised over time.
The circular reads in parts, “Sequel to the unwavering commitment of the present administration to reform the Abia State public service in line with the provisions of the Public Service Rules, I wish to convey the directive of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Abia State Dr Alex Otti on the above subject.
“Consequently, all command promotions granted in the past eight years before the inception of the present administration, to both individual, public servants and the entire workforce (in April 2023) are hereby cancelled.
“All the affected staff are hereby directed to reverse to their former rank and salary grade level before the command promotions under reference.
“Such staff will henceforth progress through the normal promotion process in the public service Rules and Regulations.
“This is aimed at restoring normalcy and seniority in the service, as well as the sanctity of the service which were eroded over time.
“Accordingly, permanent secretaries, heads of ministerial and non-ministerial departments are directed to ensure strict compliance with this directive, and forward to the office of the Head of Service corrected copies of their 2024 Nominal Rolls in both hard and soft copies, reflecting the reversion.”