The Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, has ordered the reversal of all command promotions made by the former governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, over the past nine years.
This directive, announced through a statement by the State Head of Service, Ngozi Obioma, is part of an effort to reform the state public service.
The action aligns with the provisions of Public Service Rule 1.
The governor’s directive, as outlined in a letter dated July 4, takes effect from July 1.
The memo reads: “Sequel to the unwavering commitment of the present administration to reform the Abia Public Service in line with the provisions of the Public Service Rule, I wish to convey the directive of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti on the above subject.
“Consequently, all Command Promotions granted in the past eight (8) 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 processes as enshrined 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 was 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.
“This circular is with effect from 1st July 2024.”
