There are reports that contrary to claims by the Imo State Government that retired officers are now compelled to leave the service promptly to pave way for others, the Principal, Secretary to the Governor, Dr Mrs Irene Chima and the Director of Administration and Finance, at the Government House, Mrs Joycy Ukaigwe have refused to vacate their offices several months after they retired from service.
Information available to our news desk indicate that the two top civil servants officially retired from service last year and were given six months extension of service that elapsed in July 2024. But to the astonishment of many, they are still occupying their seats in their respective offices, three months after the expiration of the six months extension of service.
Some civil servants who expressed disappointment at the development, said, “it is unfortunate that most of us who have worked tirelessly for many years with the hope of being elevated to the positions occupied by the retired officials are still left to be floating while those who should go are still allowed to hold sway.”
They made reference to the former Chairman of the Imo State Local Government Service Commission, Mrs Roseline Izuogu, who they said refused to vacate office long after her tenure elapsed. They wondered if there is any special arrangement between those who are allowed to remain in office long after their official retirement and the state government.
“We expect the Hope Uzodinma administration to ensure that retirement from the civil service is neither compromised nor made subject to manipulation by some people who see themselves as sacred cows irrespective of the special duties and/or assignments they do for the government and its officials”.
