Abia State Government has announced the cancellation of all command promotions of public servants from 2015 – 2023, citing lack of due process.

The command promotions were granted during the eight-year tenure of the immediate-past administration of Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu.

The reversal which was contained in a circular issued by the Head of Service, Dr Queen Obioma, was copied to all Commissioners, Permanent Secretaries, Clerk of the House of Assembly, Civil Service Commission, Judicial Service Commission, Heads of non-Ministerial Agencies and Parastatals.

According to the circular dated July 4, all the affected beneficiaries of the command promotions are to revert to their previous grade levels.

The circular entitled: “Reversion of all Command Promotions in the Abia Public Service”, took effect from July 1.

It read: “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 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.

“This circular is with effect from 1 July, 2024.” (Vanguard)

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