Upholding Integrity in Taraba's Civil Service: A Call for Sanity and Fairness

 

 

By Liberty Andrew JP

 

 

 

The recent revelations from the committee set up by the Taraba State Government to investigate the civil service payroll have sent ripples across the state. The discovery of a staggering seven thousand individuals who found their way into public service through irregular means is not merely a statistical anomaly; it represents a profound breach of process, an affront to fairness, and a significant burden on the state's resources.

 

It is deeply concerning to hear that these very individuals are now exerting pressure on the government to legitimise their irregular entry. This situation demands a thorough and impartial examination, for to condone such an act would be to perpetuate a system riddled with injustice and to betray the trust of hardworking, qualified indigenes who aspire to serve our state through legitimate channels.

 

The narrative surrounding these "backdoor" recruitments points to a period of vulnerability and exploitation. While former Governor Darius Dickson Ishaku's administration did undertake some employment exercises towards its conclusion, which faced scrutiny for alleged lopsidedness, the current crisis appears to stem from a more egregious abuse of power. It has come to light that during the period of dissolution of various boards, commissions, and parastatals, an individual within the Taraba State Civil Service Commission allegedly exploited this vacuum. Reports suggest that this person illicitly collected millions of Naira from unsuspecting citizens, forging the signatures of the commission's chairman and secretary to issue fraudulent employment letters. This predatory scheme seemingly targeted those who, perhaps due to a lack of connections or belonging to less "popular" tribes, were unable to secure legitimate employment under previous dispensations.

 

Governor Agbu Kefas deserves commendation for his proactive approach in addressing this critical issue. His decision to establish a verification committee, particularly in light of the consistently escalating monthly salary bill, demonstrates a commitment to fiscal responsibility and due process. It is indeed a paradox that despite regular retirements, recorded deaths, and transfers of service to federal and local government, the salary expenditure remains stubbornly high. This anomaly strongly suggests the presence of an inflated and irregular payroll.

 

It is perplexing to observe that some voices, even those critical of the Governor's performance over the past two years, are simultaneously advocating for the absorption of these illegally employed individuals. This stance is a contradiction. We cannot champion good governance and simultaneously endorse irregularities. The notion that "those who are illegally employed should not be flushed out" is a dangerous precedent. It essentially argues that those with financial means could "buy" their way into the civil service, leaving no room for those who are equally, if not more, qualified but lack the resources for such illicit transactions.

 

Taraba State belongs to all of us, irrespective of our tribal affiliations. To allow illegality to persist is to undermine the very fabric of our shared society. Fairness and equity demand that if there is a genuine need for new recruitment, the Civil Service Commission must advertise these positions transparently. Every Taraba indigene, regardless of their background or connections, should have the opportunity to apply and be judged solely on merit, in line with the principles of federal character and balanced representation.

 

We must remember past instances where sentiment and tribal affiliations regrettably overshadowed merit. During the Darius administration, for example, an approval was given for critical staff recruitment at the Taraba State Broadcasting Service (TSBS) Jalingo. However, it was disheartening to discover that a significant majority, reportedly 90 percent, of these positions were filled by individuals from a single village. Such scenarios understandably trigger anger and resentment, leading to petitions that, sadly, often go unaddressed.

 

It is imperative that we put aside our sentiments. Birth is, as it were, a parental accident; no one negotiates with God where they will be born. To display sentiment or bias simply because someone is not from "your tribe" is to disregard their inherent worth and potential contribution.

 

Government must take decisive action against those illegally employed. This is not about punishment for its own sake, but about establishing a clear deterrent and restoring sanity to our public service. We can draw inspiration from Governor Ahmadu Fintiri's resolute action during his first tenure in Adamawa State, where he bravely flushed out ghost workers despite protests and various pressures. His commitment to justice and fairness laid the groundwork for a more equitable system. It is noteworthy that he is now establishing a transparent portal for all to apply as he embarks on new employment initiatives.

 

Let Taraba State follow suit. Let us embrace transparency, fairness, and meritocracy. By taking a firm stand against these irregularities, Governor Kefas has an opportunity to set a new standard for integrity in our civil service, ensuring that our state's future is built on a foundation of equity and justice for all.