(Alhaji Abdullahi Musa Shehu. Photo Credit: Daily Post)
The Yobe State Government has issued a stern warning to public servants against habitual lateness, absconding from duty, and unauthorised early departure from work, as part of its effort to restore discipline and improve service delivery across the state.
The warning was contained in a circular signed by the Head of Service, Alhaji Abdullahi Musa Shehu, and released by the Office of the Head of Service on Tuesday.
According to the circular, the directive followed unscheduled inspection visits to Ministries, Departments, Agencies, and Parastatals, where inspection teams observed rising cases of absenteeism, persistent lateness, and workers leaving before official closing hours.
The government described the acts as serious misconduct that undermines discipline, reduces productivity, and erodes professionalism within the Yobe State Public Service.
It stated that every public servant is required to observe official working hours, maintain regular attendance, and carry out assigned responsibilities with diligence, commitment, and integrity.
The circular noted that failure to comply amounts to a violation of Yobe State Public Service Rules PSR 044001 (iii) on attendance and discipline, and would attract appropriate disciplinary measures.
To ensure compliance, the Head of Service directed all Permanent Secretaries, Accounting Officers, and Chief Executives of MDAs to strictly monitor staff attendance and punctuality, maintain accurate records, and submit monthly reports to the Office of the Head of Service within seven days of the following month.
Heads of MDAs were also mandated to immediately commence disciplinary proceedings against any officer found guilty of abscondment, habitual lateness, or unauthorised early departure, in line with the Public Service Rules.
The Office of the Head of Service warned that enforcement of the directive would be closely monitored, and that heads of MDAs would be held accountable for any failure to implement it.
The state government reaffirmed its commitment to building a disciplined, efficient, accountable, and service-oriented public service, urging all civil servants to uphold professionalism, integrity, punctuality, and dedication in their duties.
