… Civil Service Reform And Automated Payment System In Perspective.
By Nwamkpa Modestus (KSM)
Last two days, we looked at the modest achievements of Governor Hope Uzodimma particularly in the area of Road Construction as the government he superintends clocks five years next week Wednesday January 15. It is important we understand the Imo state that was before his ascendency to the office of Governor of the state of Imo.
However, today, I wish to bring you up to speed with the automated payment system and of course, the civil service reform. We may recall that prior to January 15, 2020, Imo state payment system was, to say the least, opaque, confusing, disproportionate and riddled with monumental corruption. Imo Workers and pensioners were spending days lying at the floor of various banks every month ending trying to receive their pay. Often, workers were paid on percentage basis. Many of them were even unsure when their next salary or pension would come. Imo Workers could not ascertain how much was their actual due salary because it kept fluctuating and they were told several stories every month. It was indeed a pathetic situation.
There was no clear understanding of the actual salary summation of Imo workers as the state government was presented with an increasing salary table or template every month that did not reflect on the actual salary paid to workers because the payment system was not streamlined. The numerical strength of Imo Workers and pensioners were equally unknown because of the sharp practices surrounding the processes. This malady continued unabated and it survived several administrations in the state. The cabal behind it was behemoth and impenetrable.
This was the ugly situation before Gov Uzodimma came on board. Of course, he was challenged and he suffered this disorganized and disingenuous situation for the first three months before he decided to confront the monster. He quickly stopped the hitherto opaque payment style and introduced very stringent but water-tight payment process. He began the automation process and introduced the Imo Identification number for every worker. The automation process, no doubt was painstaking and it took some time before its processes were concluded.
Meanwhile, within the time the automation was going on, the cabal behind the corruption infested hitherto payment system came with all manner of blackmail and propaganda. The Governor was called names and even accused of being inhuman, heartless, insensitive and all that. But trust Governor Uzodimma, he remained focused and adamant because he knew what he wanted to achieve. The process made several startling discoveries. For example, it was discovered workers who were receiving salaries in more than three different MDAs. There were some retired pensioners who were receiving pension and also receiving salaries and so many other discoveries.
Today, Imo Workers and pensioners can testify that they receive their pay every month without fail. They will attest to the fact that they no longer suffer, lobby or sleep at banking halls before they get their pay every month. They will confess that the era when they were unsure of when their next salary or pension would come is over. This is one of the intangible achievements of Governor Hope Uzodimma. Although, the Governor has kept saying that he does not see payment of salaries as achievement but indeed, automating the process that removed the hitherto bottlenecks and ensured a seamless salary and pension payment is no doubt, a great achievement.
Today, Imo civil servants and Pensioners are the most beneficiaries of Governor Uzodimma’s innovative and purposeful governance. No doubt, Imo state is on a match to a greater accelerated development. It can always get better under Sen Hope Uzodimma.
To be continued…
Truthfully Yours, Nwamkpa Modestus is my name and I approve of this piece.
