In a significant development for displaced civil servants from Anambra and neighboring South-East states, Abia State Governor Alex Otti has pledged to review the controversial 2011 disengagement triggered by the “Non-Indigene” employment policy.
Speaking during a reception hosted in Aba by the Anambra community, Governor Otti expressed his disapproval of the policy, which led to the unjust removal of non-Abia indigenes from civil service roles over a decade ago. Describing the action as unlawful, Otti emphasized that his administration is committed to reversing harmful practices of the past.
He revealed that a formal request for reinstatement has been submitted on behalf of 154 affected workers, primarily teachers, who were laid off during the policy’s enforcement. Otti confirmed he has received the list and instructed the Abia Head of Service to carefully evaluate it.
“We’ll review the list. If the individuals are under 65 years of age, there’s a chance to re-engage them, especially considering the current teacher shortage in our state,” the governor said.
Governor Otti also assured that those no longer eligible due to age will be considered for financial compensation as part of a fair and humane resolution process. His move marks a compassionate shift from previous administrations, reaffirming the principle that residency, not state of origin, should guide public service employment.
The Governor also addressed speculation about his political future. When praised by the Anambra group and encouraged to run for Senate in 2031 after completing his two-term tenure, Otti respectfully declined, stating his intention to exit politics to give way for younger leaders.
Since assuming office in 2023, Governor Otti has abolished the discriminatory “State of Origin” barrier in the state’s workforce, promoting inclusion and equal opportunity for all qualified residents, regardless of ethnic background.
This latest decision offers a promising turn of events for the previously marginalized South-East civil servants and aligns with broader efforts toward national unity and fairness in governance.
Read more on how Abia’s civil service reforms are shaping the state workforce.
For more background on non-indigene employment policies in Nigeria, see this BBC News article on employment inequality
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