Civil servants want Ambode to stop using consultants

Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode

Civil Servants in Lagos State met with the new Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, and advised him to drop some policies of the immediate Governor, Babatunde Fashola, especially the usage of consultants in the public service.

A large number of the civil servants, who spoke on Tuesday during a meeting at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium in Alausa, Ikeja, said the jobs being handled by consultants were jobs meant for them.

They assured the governor that they were capable and willing to go about their duties with required efficiency, commitment and expertise.

One of them, who did not disclose his name, said, “We want you (Ambode) to discontinue the use of consultants so that we can do our jobs. We want to prove that we are also able and capable.”

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The civil servants also observed that their salaries did not meet the reality of working and living in Lagos.

They explained that during the administration of Alhaji Lateef Jakande, civil servants earned as much as their counterparts in the federal civil service and the private sector.

One of them specifically observed that the housing policy of the immediate past government was out of the reach of civil servants.

He said, “During Jakande’s time, he built houses that common people, especially civil servants, could afford. When you build houses, construct markets, you have to ensure that the common people, who the facilities are meant for, are able to get them. Most of the ones done by the last administration did not get to the people who needed them.”

Earlier, Ambode said he desired that the civil servants in the state take their jobs seriously, be efficient and punctual at work.

He added that there was no way the state could move forward without the support of the 128,000 civil servants in the state.

Ambode said, “The engine room for the growth and development of Lagos State is the civil service. I will accord you the respect that you deserve. I am ready to reward hard work, merit and professionalism.

“I like to resume at 8am. So, I decided to make my official residence the Lagos House, Ikeja, which means I can work till 12am and when I wake up by 7.15am and ask for the Permanent Sectary, she will answer me. You can come by 8:20am, but when your Permanent Secretary starts harassing you, be sure that it is from me.”