– Unbridled Impunity Must Be Resisted, Workers Vow
Management and Staff of the Imo State Government Press have expressed dismay over the 6 months extension of service granted to a retiree Mr Francis Igwe, who has reportedly received monthly pension for the past five years.
The development which was earlier thought to be mere speculation was confirmed by an official letter from the Office of the Head of Service dated May 15, 2025. It has also elicited serious controversy because it completely negates civil service rules, procedure and guidelines.
The letter, signed by the Head of Service, Mrs Emenalom Chikaodi stated that the questionable extension of service was approved by Governor Hope Uzodinma. However, most civil servants are of the opinion that the Governor could not have under any circumstance approved the reappointment of a retiree who has already been receiving monthly pension.
Some government sources who pleaded anonymity alleged that Francis Igwe was brought back by some people whose aim is to fraudulently benefit from the printing of the State Junior WAEC Examination question papers within the period.
The development has elicited tension among the staff of Government Press located at the Imo Broadcasting Corporation (IBC) premises along Concorde Hotel Road, Owerri.
Most of the employees who commented on the issue described it as a worrisome development that is capable of setting the dangerous precedent of violating civil service rules and regulations which bars pensioners from being recycled into active service while still receiving pension.
It was gathered that the current Government Printer, Nwangwu Ikechukwu Gabriel’s duties and responsibilities may have been usurped giving credence to reports of favouritism and sharp practices within the ranks of the supervising ministry.
