A screening exercise involving officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reportedly generated concern among civil servants in Delta State after workers in several government offices were subjected to credential verification without prior notice.
According to reports, the exercise began last week and covered various government establishments in Asaba, including the Office of the Head of Service, the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, the pre-audit office, and the Deputy Governor’s Office.
A staff member in the Deputy Governor’s Office, who spoke anonymously, said many workers initially believed the exercise was being conducted by officials from the Head of Service’s office.
The worker explained that employees were asked to present relevant credentials and only later learned that the officials involved were from the EFCC.
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The source noted that the development came as a surprise to many civil servants, adding that workers were uncertain about the objective of the screening and who authorised it.The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in Delta State also reacted to the exercise, expressing concern that organised labour was not formally informed before it commenced.
In a joint statement signed by the state secretaries of both unions, labour leaders said they were neither adequately briefed on the purpose nor the procedures of the screening exercise before it began. Despite their reservations, they advised workers to remain calm and cooperate with officials conducting the exercise.
The unions stressed the importance of transparency and accountability in public service while assuring workers that they would continue to monitor developments closely to ensure that the rights and welfare of employees are protected.
They further stated that any concerns arising from the exercise should be reported through appropriate union channels and pledged to engage relevant authorities to ensure the process is conducted professionally and without intimidation or victimisation.
Reports indicate that the screening has created uncertainty among some civil servants across the state, with many seeking clarification on its purpose and scope.Efforts to obtain an official response from the EFCC were reportedly unsuccessful at the time of filing the report, as the commission’s spokesperson had yet to comment on the matter.
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