Borno State governor, Prof Babagana Zulum, has ordered the immediate suspension of the secretary and some directors of Dikwa local government council over alleged absenteeism and neglect of official duties.
Zulum issued the directive on Friday during a working visit to Dikwa, where he reportedly found several senior council officials absent from their duty posts.
The governor directed the affected officials to immediately hand over to their respective assistants pending administrative action.
However, the Director of Primary Healthcare and the Education Secretary were exempted from the suspension after they were found at their duty posts during the governor’s inspection.
Zulum warned that officials entrusted with the responsibility of providing essential services to residents must take their duties seriously.
“Residents depend on the local government for essential services. Senior officials must report for duty and carry out their responsibilities.
“Those who neglect their duties will face disciplinary action,” the governor said.
He subsequently directed the Borno State Local Government Service Commission to compile the list of affected officials and commence the necessary administrative process to fill the vacant positions.
According to him, the move was aimed at ensuring uninterrupted delivery of services to residents of the local government.
The governor also ordered the immediate suspension of construction work on the nurses’ quarters at Dikwa General Hospital over concerns about the quality and standard of the project.
During the inspection of ongoing projects in the town, including the Dikwa General Hospital, nurses’ quarters and a mega primary school, Zulum expressed dissatisfaction with the standard of work at the nurses’ quarters.
He directed that construction should stop pending the engagement of another contractor to undertake the project.
“Public funds must deliver buildings that are safe, durable and fit for use. Every contractor must meet the approved specifications.
“Those who fail to do so will be held accountable in accordance with the law,” he warned.
Zulum further warned contractors executing government projects in the state that failure to comply with contractual specifications and approved standards would attract immediate sanctions.
The governor said his administration would continue to monitor public projects to ensure that government funds were properly utilised and that residents received value for money.