Inherited Dead Civil Service, Fubara Rubbishes Wike
By Wisdom Tide
September 25, 2020
Introduction
In a public statement that has stirred reactions within Rivers State, Governor Siminalayi Fubara has openly criticized his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, for what he describes as a decayed and ineffective civil service. This bold accusation signals a new chapter in the growing tension between the former political allies, as Fubara seeks to distance his administration from the shortcomings of the past. His remarks reflect growing frustration over the current state of the civil service, which many now believe has been neglected and left to deteriorate over the years.
Fubara’s Criticism: A Civil Service in Shambles
During a recent press briefing, Governor Fubara did not hold back in expressing his dissatisfaction with the state of the civil service in Rivers State. According to Fubara, his administration inherited a civil service that was in complete disarray, marked by inefficiency, lack of motivation, and widespread administrative decay.
"Our civil service was dead on arrival," Fubara declared, noting that his government has had to make significant strides to revitalize the sector. "What we met was a complete breakdown of a system that should be the backbone of any government."
Fubara’s remarks come as a shock to many, especially considering the close political relationship he shared with Wike during his tenure as the Director of Finance and Administration in the Rivers State Government. However, his statements suggest that even those who were part of the previous administration are not exempt from the responsibility of addressing its failures.
Wike’s Legacy Under Scrutiny
Nyesom Wike, who was at the helm of Rivers State for two terms, had often touted his administration’s achievements in infrastructure and governance. However, Fubara’s assessment sheds light on the less glamorous aspects of governance — the day-to-day operations of the civil service, which plays a crucial role in delivering public services and implementing government policies.
Critics of the Wike administration have long pointed to issues within the civil service, including poor welfare for civil servants, delayed promotions, and a lack of continuous training and capacity building. Fubara’s recent statements bring these concerns into the spotlight, calling into question the long-term sustainability of Wike’s achievements if the core administrative machinery of the state was allowed to weaken.
Efforts to Revive the Civil Service
Since assuming office, Fubara has emphasized the importance of restoring the civil service to its proper function. One of his administration’s first steps was to conduct an audit of the civil service to identify gaps in personnel, resource allocation, and operational efficiency.
"We are focused on reforms that will not only restore dignity to the civil service but also improve overall government performance," Fubara stated. His government has initiated several programs aimed at reinvigorating the civil service, including new recruitment drives, enhanced training programs, and improved welfare packages for civil servants.
Additionally, Fubara’s administration has pledged to address the problem of "ghost workers" — individuals who are on the government payroll but do not exist or have left service. This has been a persistent problem in many Nigerian states, draining valuable resources that could be allocated to more productive areas.
The Growing Rift Between Fubara and Wike
Fubara’s public criticism of the civil service under Wike’s leadership is yet another indication of the growing political divide between the two leaders. While both men were once viewed as allies, recent developments suggest that Fubara is eager to carve out his own legacy, independent of his predecessor’s shadow.
The Governor’s remarks also signal his determination to hold the previous administration accountable for areas where it may have fallen short. While Wike’s tenure is remembered for bold infrastructure projects, Fubara’s administration appears focused on strengthening the internal mechanisms of governance, which may have been overlooked.
Conclusion
Governor Fubara’s condemnation of the state of the civil service under Wike’s administration has sparked important discussions about the broader implications of governance in Rivers State. While infrastructure projects and visible developments are critical, the effective functioning of the civil service is essential for long-term stability and growth.
As Fubara pushes forward with his reform agenda, it remains to be seen how his efforts to revive the civil service will impact the state’s overall development. However, one thing is clear: his administration is committed to addressing the challenges that were inherited and ensuring that the Rivers State civil service becomes a model of efficiency and effectiveness
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