The Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Meribole, has described the civil service as the backbone of governance and a key driver of continuity in state development.
He made this known at a seminar organized by the Association of Retired Permanent Secretaries of Nigeria in Umuahia. The event focused on the role of the civil service in ensuring stable policies and growth in state building.
Dr. Meribole said the civil service plays an important role in maintaining stability in government policies. He noted that it helps in the proper implementation of government programmes and preserves records and experience needed for long-term development.
He added that the civil service is not limited to serving different administrations but also helps to translate government plans into real benefits for the people, thereby promoting good governance and development.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Association, Elder O. I. Ozima, described the seminar as important. He thanked the SSG for attending and also commended Alex Otti for his leadership.
In her vote of thanks, Lady Chinedu Brown appreciated Governor Otti for ensuring the prompt payment of pensions, saying it has restored hope and dignity to retirees.
She noted that pensioners now receive their monthly payments regularly, which has helped them plan their lives better and support their families.
Lady Brown also praised the governor for the recent pension verification exercise and expressed hope that it will lead to the payment of outstanding gratuities and other entitlements.
She further commended the governor’s achievements in various sectors, saying his performance has attracted wide support. She described this growing acceptance as the “Alex Chioma Otti Phenomenon,” and expressed confidence that the administration will continue to deliver more benefits to the people of Abia State.
