Low turnout as workers resume after New Year holiday

Ministries, Departments and Institutions in Abia State noted the low participation rate of civil servants as work resumed on Tuesday after the New Year holiday.

At News Office of Nigeria A correspondent (NAN), who re-monitored the work in Umuahia, reported that only a few workers were seen on duty.

Most of the offices opened at the State Secretariat in Ogurube Layout, Umuahia, were locked while some workers in the vicinity were seen cleaning the office.

Several other workers appeared in the group exchanging pleasantries and sharing their vacation experiences.

Cafes and shops in the secretariat are not yet open for business, while the car park is empty.

NAN gathered that many workers who traveled home for the holidays have not returned.

Most workers refused to speak to reporters, saying they were not allowed to give interviews to the press.

However, several people, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the majority of travelers may not return until the weekend.

He said workers would resume work on Monday.

A director in the Ministry of Land and Survey condemned the low turnout of workers in the secretariat, saying it was a violation of civil service rules.

“Work has continued and you can see me in the office, but I can’t do much because the people I work with have not moved on.

“I asked them to come to work because the directive was to be extended before the holidays,” he said.

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Public servant, Christy Kalu said the low turnout is normal after the celebrations.

According to him, many events usually take place during this festive season, especially in Igboland, and most people are usually not there to witness it.

(IN)