Charles Soludo, Governor of Anambra State, on Thursday threatened sanctions against civil servants who absented themselves from duty during an unscheduled inspection of the State Secretariat in Awka.

The governor, who arrived at the complex around 10:30 a.m. with members of his team, was met with largely deserted offices, as many workers were found to have abandoned their duty posts during official working hours.

Findings indicated that several employees were engaged in private businesses, midweek religious activities, and other personal ventures at the time of the visit.

In response, Soludo ordered that the Secretariat gates be shut, leading to a rush by workers attempting to gain access upon learning of his presence.

The inspection, which covered multiple ministries and departments, revealed a pattern of absenteeism and poor work ethic. In some offices where between eight and ten staff members were expected, only one or two were present, while others were completely empty.

The exercise formed part of the administration’s efforts to assess punctuality, discipline, and overall commitment within the state civil service.

During the visit, the governor interacted with staff across various cadres, including heads of departments and permanent secretaries, while observing operational processes within the Secretariat.

Sources said the move is part of broader reforms aimed at repositioning the civil service for improved efficiency and accountability.

As news of the governor’s visit spread, many workers reportedly rushed back to the Secretariat, some arriving in visible distress and unkempt attire, with a few carrying personal goods and travel bags.

At about 3:25 p.m., several employees were seen arriving on tricycles and hurrying into offices to ascertain developments.

The newly appointed Head of Service, Ngozi Iwouno, was also said to be holding emergency meetings with permanent secretaries and departmental heads following the development.

Speaking to journalists after the inspection, Soludo described his findings as a mix of “the good, the bad, and the ugly.”

He commended diligent workers who maintained professionalism and punctuality, describing them as vital to effective governance, but expressed concern over widespread lateness and absenteeism.

“Those who do not align with the new vision for the civil service will be exited,” the governor warned.

He reiterated that his administration would not tolerate inefficiency and indiscipline, stressing that underperforming staff risk dismissal or suspension.

Soludo also highlighted ongoing reforms within the civil service, including the deployment of technology, strengthened supervision mechanisms, and infrastructure upgrades across the Secretariat.

According to him, the goal is to build a responsive, efficient, and results-driven public service capable of delivering on the state’s development agenda.

“What would a civil servant be doing at this time by 10 a.m. when he is supposed to be in the office?” he queried.

In a statement, the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, said the unscheduled visit was designed to evaluate staff conduct and reinforce accountability.

He noted that while some workers demonstrated commendable integrity, others fell short of expectations, adding that the administration would enforce strict disciplinary measures going forward.

Aburime further outlined key reform priorities, including digital transformation of workflows, enhanced performance tracking, and sustained infrastructural development within the Secretariat.

He added that the exercise signals the government’s determination to transform the state bureaucracy into a high-performing institution capable of delivering improved public service to residents of Anambra