By: Edobor Senior Special Corresponden.
The Edo state government has frown seriously at the manner civil and public servants in the state unlawfully abandon their duty posts to travel overseas for greener pastures. Governor Godwin Obaseki in a circular issued today, August 27, 2024 through the Head of the Civil Service of the state observed with dismay the actions of public servants that travel overseas without seeking appropriate approvals before embarking on same. He said such act contravenes rule 13216 of the Edo State Civil Service Rules.
According to the information obtained, all Public Servants in the employment of Edo State Government intending to travel overseas are requested to seek the approval of the Head of Service through their respective Permanent Secretaries, Heads of Departments and Agencies. The Governor further warned that failure to comply with the forgoing directive will attract appropriate sanctions in line with the extant Rules of the Service.
A further investigation into why Public Servants of the State bypass such rules why embarking on travelling overseas reveals that many of them had to borrow money from their cooperatives in other to fund their traveling expenses. According to Doris Ehendiwo, one of the Civil Servants in the employment of the state government interviewed by Tunexreporter, tendering your resignation letter before you travel will automatically hinders you from accessing financial loan to assist in your expenses. She said that the money borrowed through their cooperatives is more convenient to payback without stringent conditions. She expressed sadness for those who intend to travel and do not have the financial power but rely partly on the cooperative to fund their relocation.
