From Gyang Bere Jos
Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong said 532 public servants with questionable records have been removed from the state payroll after thorough investigation using the BVN system.
He reiterated his commitment to rid the civil service of staff who have questionable records or those who are found to have tempered with their records.
Lalong disclosed this, yesterday, during a policy retreat for Permanent Secretaries held at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) Kuru, Jos, Plateau State.
He said the exercise would continue and that those found culpable would face disciplinary proceedings.
“I am aware of the huge manpower gaps that exist in the Plateau State civil service because of years of unemployment. With the setting up of the Nde John Gobak Committee on the verification and audit of staff strength, we will address these issues once the committee completes its assignment and submits its report.
“Already, about 532 names have been removed from Government payroll after an investigation using the BVN system revealed inconsistencies in their records. Some had falsified their ages or tampered with their records. Others could not appear to answer queries on such records”
Lalong said the state is facing continuous decline in revenues from FAAC which makes it very necessary to generate more revenue internally to meet the yearnings of the people. He said the action necessitated priority spending on areas that will yield revenues in all MDAs as well as the blocking of leakages in the system.
Lalong reminded the Permanent Secretaries that Government business in Plateau State is now driven by ICT and as such, they must not only be proficient, but also mentor all civil servants in utilizing ICT for carrying out their day-to-day schedules.
Head of Service Plateau State, Sunday Chong Hyat said the policy retreat became necessary because of the appointment of 14 new Permanent Secretaries and the fact that the last exercise was held in 2015.
He said as accounting officers of various MDAs, the Permanent Secretaries have been equipped with relevant knowledge to enforce discipline and good conduct