Labour Kicks Against Circular on Dress Code for Delta Civil Servants

Reactions have continued to trail the recent circular on dress code for civil servants in Delta State, issued by the Office of the Head of Service. 

Some civil servants, especially those working in places other than the Judiciary and Legislature, view it from the point that they are not paid wardrobe allowance and should not be made to comply with the directive from their meager salaries.

Also the State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has drawn a battle line with government, directing workers to disregard the circular.

The Congress Chairman, Comrade Goodluck Ofobruku, told this medium that labour and the entire workforce of Delta State were against the circular because it was against the Civil Service Rule.

He said: “The Civil Service Rule says we should dress appropriately to work. Asking workers to wear suit Mondays to Thursdays and Senator suit on Fridays is against the Civil Service Rule and we don’t support it. If anyone is sanctioned for failing to comply, we are going to react negatively to that”.

So far, neither the Head of Service nor the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information has responded to the reactions, even as it was learnt that a last minute attempt was made to withdraw the circular before it went out.

Dramatically, the Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Head of Service, Mr Maxwell Awuse, who signed the circular, has retired from service two days after the document was made public.

During a courtesy visit to formally announce his disengagement, the Head of Service (HoS), Dr. (Mrs) Mininim Oseji, congratulated Mr. Awuse and commended him for his dedication and humility throughout his career, describing him as a committed public servant who contributed significantly to repositioning the Civil Service.

Dr. Oseji further noted Awuse’s role in ensuring the successful implementation of the 20 Activities designed to support Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s M.O.R.E. Agenda, and prayed for God’s continued protection, guidance, and a prosperous post-retirement life, encouraging him to remain a shining example of integrity and service.

Awuse had expressed gratitude to God for enabling him to fulfil his career aspirations and thanked Governor Oborevwori and the Head of Service for giving him the opportunity to serve Delta State.

Recounting his civil service journey, recalled that he joined as a Personnel Officer II in 1997 and subsequently served in various Ministries, including Information, Health, Oil and Gas, Office of the Deputy Governor, and finally the Office of the Head of Service.