Anambra Works Commissioner Locks Out Staff for Lateness to Work

Okoli Sunday

Anambra State Commissioner for Works, Mr Marcel Ifejiofor on Oct. 25 locked out staff of the Ministry who reported late to work. The commissioner said it was a way of instilling discipline in the state’s workforce, and making them to know that it was not business as usual.

``I wonder why the staff of works’ Ministry will not report early to work in order to reciprocate government’s gesture that has shown adequate concern for their welfare. This is to instill discipline.

``Government has done a lot to make the workforce happy. What they owe Government is to be at their duty posts when they should, to reciprocate the gesture.’’

According to Ifejiofor, no staff will be spared the punishment irrespective of their positions.

``The list of the defaulting staff will be forwarded to the office of the Head of Service (HOS) and the Ministry will issue queries as a disciplinary measure too.

``Status does not matter. What matters is doing the right thing at the right time,’’ the commissioner insisted.

Acting Deputy Director, Administration, Mrs Stacia Emenike said she saw no reason why the staff would not be punctual to work as the service offered a grace period of 30 minutes after 8 o'clock.

She decried the attitude of some of the workers who she described as perennial late comers. She directed them to have a change of attitude.

Mrs Emenike said appropriate punishment would be handed out to the late comers.

``Taking such measures will no doubt serve as deterrent to other staff as well as help to curtail truancy as lateness will no longer be tolerated.’’

This is the second time, the commissioner will lockout late comers. He had earlier in the year invoked similar measure.