Edema has pleasantly put his detractors to shame – Okwuofo

By: Tonebsky Nesta & Jonathan Embale

The new chairman of Delta State Local Government Service Commission, Chief (Mrs.) Nkem Okwuofo says Hon. Matthew Mofe Edema, chairman of Warri South local government “has pleasantly put his detractors to shame”.

Mrs. Okwuofo who is a former Delta Broadcasting Service Warri boss, made this declaration Thursday May 20 when she led other members of the commission to Warri South Council Secretariat as part of her familiarization tour of the 25 local government councils in the state. According to her, Hon. Edema is one of those people didn’t think can perform “because of his kind of person”. Mrs. Okwuofo revealed that the commission has decided that all senior and junior staff in its employ that has served more than three and five years respectively will be transferred. While pledging that all cadres of staff will be trained and retrained, the local government service commission boss tasked workers of Warri South local government to brace up to the chairman’s gesture by being more dedicated to their duties. She described Warri South local government Council as a model to other local governments in the state and disclosed that prizes will soon be given to the best council chairman as well as local government in the state.

In an address, the Director of Personnel Management, Warri South local government, Sir Christopher Aghara, posited that the familiarization tour embarked upon by members of the commission shows “the commitment of the present leadership of the commission to the welfare of its workforce” and “the direction the policy of the commission would be hinged upon’. He attributed the prompt payment of staff salaries in the council “to the prudent management of its resources by the Executive Chairman, Hon. Matthew Mofe Edema”. While declaring that Warri South “ is the only council where sick staff are advanced money before they proceed to hospital”, the Warri South Director of Personnel Management noted that though the council has the highest allocation from the federation account, it “goes home with the least allocation after primary school teachers salaries have been removed”. He described the relationship between the Council Chairman, political class and workers as harmonious, even as he added that the council authorities place great importance to training to workers.

………. Underscores importance of co-operation between the commission, LG Chairmen

Meanwhile Mrs. Nkem Okwuofo has underscored the importance of cooperation between the commission and local government council chairmen in order to move the councils forward.

She made this known at Bomadi when she paid the council chairman, Hon. Prince Kalanama Penawou a courtesy call at his office during her state wide familiarization tour to the council. The former commissioner of Culture and Tourism explained that a bilateral cooperation between the commission and local government Chairmen is needed in the area of sharing information to ensure transparency and better interaction between the Local Government Councils and the commission.

Chief Okwuofu that the commission is working round the clock to ensure that staffs who are due for promotion are promoted.

In the area of training, chief Okwuofu noted that workshops and seminars would be organized to train staff regularly to increase productivity and efficiency in the local government system. She warned that hard times await those who run to their godfathers to avoid being transferred, stressing that the era of godfatherism is over. “We will not allow ourselves to be ruled from outside. We have integrity, which we must protect”, she declared.
The commission chairman expressed happiness over the cordial working relationship that exists between politicians and staff of the council, even as she lauded the chairman for prompt payment of staff salaries and wages.

On his part, the Bomadi council boss, Prince Penawou assured the visiting commission chairman of his willingness to cooperate and give support in areas needing collaboration to create synergy for better local government administration. Penawou eulogized her vision for the commission and congratulated her on her appointment as the commission chairman. Chief Okwuofu and members of the commission were received by the council chairman, his Vice, Hon. Akpokabowei Asigo, Supervisors, leader of the legislative Arm, Hon Vincent Eregbene as well as councilors.

At the council pavilion where an interactive session was held between the local government service commission chairman and staff of the council, Chief Okwuofu promised that workers welfare would be her top priority, as she hailed the staff for their mature disposition in working with the council chairman. The commission chairman admonished workers to be punctual to their duties and shun laziness.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Director of Personnel Management Mr. Agbeyeke said with staff strength of 619, the council derives its revenue from internally generated revenue, state allocation and federal Statutory Allocation. Mr. Agbayeke was quick at pointing out that the internally generated revenue base of the council “was slim”. This, according to him was due to low revenue potentials, among others.

The DPM also disclosed that there exists a very cordial working relationship between the political office holders and staff of the council, adding that salaries and leave transport grants are paid as and when due. Stressing further, Mr. .P. E. Agbayeke maintained that funds are being released on a regular basis for settlement of outstanding staff claims as well as staff accommodation, adding that office furnituring and equipments are also being addressed.

The DPM thanked the chairman and members of the commission for the prompt payment of local course allowances to officers in various academic programmes, even as he solicited for more training and promotion of staff to boost their efficiency and effectiveness.

Other members of the entourage include: Chief Benson Asoro-member representing Delta Central, Barr. Paul Uwechwe- member representing Delta North and South Chief Michael Seikegba -member representing Delta South