A group of concerned civil servants in Enugu State has raised alarm over what they described as the unlawful and disruptive conduct of a retired Director in the State Ministry of Youth and Sports, calling on the Office of the Head of Service and the Civil Service Commission to take immediate action.
The civil servants, who spoke under the condition of anonymity for fear of victimization, alleged that the retired official has continued to operate in the ministry despite his retirement, thereby undermining the roles and responsibilities of serving staff.
According to their complaint, the retired Director is allegedly blocking younger civil servants from performing their official duties, exploiting his former status, experience, and connections to assert control within the ministry. They claimed that he frequently writes official memos, seeks approvals from the Ministry of Finance, and even visits the Government House on behalf of the Ministry — activities typically reserved for current officers.
“He still comes to the office as though he has not retired. He writes for approvals and is in charge of rent collection for shops and offices at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium and Sports Council premises,” one of the staff said.
The workers further alleged that despite repeated complaints, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Mr. Lloyd Ike Ekweremadu Jnr, and other top officials have failed to address the situation, allowing the retired official to continue operating unchecked.
They specifically urged the Head of Service and the Civil Service Commission to:
- Investigate rent and shop payments at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium;
- Probe the Director’s continued occupation of office space at the Sports Council;
- Question the Director of Finance and Accounts in the Ministry for further details;
- Determine why the retired official is still signing official documents and acting in an official capacity.
“We are frustrated. This man is retired but still parades himself as an active staff member. He is stalling the progress of serving workers, and some now believe he’s using talisman or some kind of influence to remain untouchable,” another worker lamented.
The workers insist that decisive intervention is needed to restore order, boost staff morale, and ensure that due process is followed in line with the state’s civil service regulations.
