Maimota Sounds Warning Bell, Charges Civil Servants on Punctuality, Discipline

_…….Opens Direct Dialogue with Staff, Says OHCS Must Lead by Example_

The Head of the Civil Service of Kano State, Hajiya Bilkisu Shehu Maimota, has sounded a fresh call for punctuality, discipline and hard work among staff of the Office of the Head of Civil Service (OHCS), declaring that officers must demonstrate the standards they expect from the wider Civil Service.

Hajiya Bilkisu made the declaration when she summoned a special general staff meeting bringing together Permanent Secretaries, Directors, Schedule Officers and other staff across all cadres – an unprecedented gathering since her assumption of office.

The meeting, which was the first of its kind since Hajiya Bilkisu Shehu Maimota assumed office, provided a rare opportunity for the Head of Service to engage directly with staff across all cadres, in a setting similar to the regular Weekly Joint Directorates Meeting attended by Permanent Secretaries, Directors and Schedule Officers.

Addressing the gathering, Hajiya Bilkisu reminded the staff that the Office of the Head of Civil Service occupies a unique position in the state’s administrative structure as the custodian of establishment matters and the extant rules governing the conduct of Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

She therefore urged officers to see punctuality, professionalism and hard work not merely as administrative requirements but as essential responsibilities attached to their positions.

The Head of Service, however, acknowledged the positive disposition of the workforce, saying that upon assuming office, she found the staff professionally committed, loyal, conscious of timelines and determined to achieve excellence.

She challenged them to sustain these qualities while improving areas that require greater attention, stressing that the effectiveness of the Civil Service ultimately depends on the quality, discipline and dedication of its workforce.

Speaking at the meeting, the Permanent Secretary, Establishment, Alhaji Abba Adamu Danguguwa, commended Hajiya Bilkisu for creating an avenue for direct engagement with staff at all levels.

Danguguwa described the meeting as a welcome opportunity for the workforce to hear directly from the Head of Service and urged staff to respond positively to her clarion call for improved punctuality, discipline and productivity.

He reminded the officers that working in the Office of the Head of Civil Service comes with a special responsibility, as the Office provides the framework for establishment matters and the rules guiding the entire state Civil Service.

The Permanent Secretary, Human Resource and Service Improvement, Alhaji Sabi’u Shu’aibu Muhammad, described the initiative as a demonstration of the Head of Service’s inclusive leadership approach.

According to him, bringing together staff across cadres and allowing them to express their views reflects a leadership style that values listening and consultation as important ingredients of effective decision-making.

He, however, cautioned staff against taking the opportunity for granted, stressing that the Office would not condone misconduct or deliberate violation of the extant Civil Service Rules.

Alhaji Sabi’u said while the leadership remained open to dialogue and willing to give officers opportunities to improve, appropriate sanctions remained available for any officer who refused to turn a new leaf and comply with extant rules.

Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Human Resource, Hon. Akibu Isa Murtala, expressed delight over his posting to the Office of the Head of Civil Service.

He pledged to work in harmony with career officers and other members of staff, while contributing his quota towards preserving the dignity, integrity and professional reputation of the Office.

The meeting subsequently turned into an open interaction, with staff drawn from different cadres took turns, expressing their appreciation for the initiative.

The officers welcomed the opportunity to engage directly with the Head of Service and pledged to improve their punctuality, conduct, commitment and overall attitude to duty.

The meeting ended with a renewed call for staff to translate the Head of Service’s message into concrete changes in their daily conduct, with the Office expected to lead by example in the implementation and enforcement of the values underpinning the Kano State Civil Service.