Nwosu Faults Soludo On Arbitrary Disciplinary Measures Against Civil Servants
Mr John Nwosu, a Chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Anambra has condemned the suspension handed down by Gov. Chukwuma Soludo on workers who were not on their seats when he visited.
Nwosu, the governorship candidate of ADC in 2025 election frowned at the disciplinary measure which he considered arbitrary and alien to civil service rule in a Statement made available to journalists in Awka on Friday.
Recall that Soludo visited some offices at the state Secretariat on Wednesday and ordered that the workers who were absent at about 10 am that he stormed the offices should be suspended for six months.
Nwosu said even though accountability and discipline remained essential pillars of effective governance, they must be exercised strictly within the framework of established civil service rules.
He said absence of officers from their duty posts, does not in itself justify immediate suspension without first ascertaining the underlying facts.
He said civil service operates on clearly defined procedures designed to ensure fairness, protect officers’ rights, and preserve institutional integrity.
“The recent directive by Gov. Chukwuma Soludo ordering the suspension of civil servants found absent during his inspection visit raises important concerns regarding adherence to due process within the public service.
“Best practice requires that formal queries be issued to the affected officers, giving them the opportunity to explain their absence.
“Such absences may arise from legitimate circumstances, including official assignments, health challenges, or administrative oversights, all of which warrant proper investigation before any disciplinary measures are applied.
“Sidestepping these procedures risks setting a troubling precedent that could erode morale and weaken the system responsible for delivering effective governance,” he said.
Nwosu said a more appropriate course of action would be to initiate formal queries, carefully review responses in line with civil service regulations, and thereafter apply proportionate sanctions where necessary.
He said respect for due process was not a sign of weakness but the bedrock of credible, transparent, and sustainable governance.
“This approach not only enforces discipline but also upholds the principles of justice and due process.
“Effective leadership requires a careful balance between firmness and fairness.
