NCSU Warns Civil Servants Against Looting Government Property Amid Rivers Secretariat Renovation .....Urges Workers To Safeguard Public Assets

The Nigeria Civil Service Union (NCSU), Rivers State Chapter, has issued a stern warning to civil servants against the unauthorized removal of government equipment and property during the ongoing renovation of the Rivers State Secretariat Complex.

The union urged workers to take collective responsibility for protecting all public assets being moved out of offices to ensure the smooth and successful execution of the comprehensive renovation project.

The warning was issued during a media briefing held on Friday at the NCSU Secretariat in Port Harcourt.

Speaking to journalists, the Rivers State Chairman of the NCSU, Comrade Chukwuka Richman Osumah, expressed concern over reports that some equipment removed from offices were allegedly being carted away to private homes instead of being taken to designated storage facilities for safe custody.

Comrade Osumah described the development as disturbing and unacceptable, stressing that government property must not be treated as personal belongings. He warned that any civil servant found guilty of diverting public equipment would be treated as a criminal and sanctioned in accordance with civil service rules and existing laws.

According to him, such actions could undermine the good intentions of the Rivers State Government and create the wrong impression that civil servants do not appreciate the ongoing renovation initiative of Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara.

He commended Governor Fubara for what he described as a bold and decisive step to commence the long-overdue renovation of the Secretariat Complex, noting that the project reflects the administration’s commitment to the welfare of civil servants and the provision of a safe, modern, and conducive working environment.

Comrade Osumah added that the union is satisfied with the pace and quality of work at the complex, describing the project as consistent with the government’s promise of institutional renewal and improved service delivery.

He further disclosed that the NCSU has issued clear directives to civil servants on essential duties at the Secretariat Complex to properly account for and safeguard all equipment removed from offices during the renovation period.

The NCSU chairman also expressed optimism over recent declarations by the Presidency regarding the political crisis in Rivers State, stating confidence that Governor Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, would ultimately prevail.

Also speaking, the State Treasurer of the NCSU, Comrade Leticia MacPepple, praised Governor Fubara for his continued support for civil servants, including the payment of Christmas bonuses and other welfare packages.

She advised civil servants without official duties at the Secretariat Complex to stay away from the premises during the renovation to ensure safety and prevent loss of government property.

Comrade MacPepple emphasized that protecting public assets is a collective responsibility and called on workers to cooperate fully with relevant authorities to ensure the successful completion of the project.

She concluded by describing the Secretariat Complex renovation as a landmark initiative of the current administration.

Similarly, the Rivers State Secretary of the union, Comrade Allen Ameh Agenyi, reaffirmed the union’s commitment to safeguarding government property, revealing that the NCSU had earlier issued directives to Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to ensure strict compliance.