Abia State Government has uncovered instances where certain civil and public servants are falsifying their ages using court affidavits, as revealed in a recent statement.
Mrs Ngozi Obioma, the Abia state Head of Service, highlighted that some officials have resorted to obtaining fake Date of Birth certificates from the National Population Commission (NPC). This deceptive practice allows them to manipulate their ages to suit personal preferences.
“Those engaged in such fraudulent activities are hereby warned to cease immediately,” Mrs Obioma emphasized, stressing that severe consequences await anyone caught in this misconduct. “Offenders will face summary dismissal from the Service and legal prosecution.”
In response to these revelations, the state government initiated a rigorous verification exercise in 2023 within the civil and public service sectors. This initiative aims to enhance operational integrity and eliminate ghost workers, thereby bolstering overall efficiency.
Furthermore, the government mandated all civil servants in Abia State to digitally submit their credentials through an officially sanctioned online portal. This directive ensures transparency and accountability within the workforce, aligning with broader efforts to streamline administrative processes and safeguard against fraudulent practices.