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…. It’s a shady deal, says workers
A major controversy has erupted at the Imo State Government Press office following the revelation that a retiree, Mr. Igwe Francis, has been granted a six-month extension of service, despite having retired and still receiving pension benefits since retiring five years ago.
This development, confirmed by an official letter dated May 15th, 2025, from the Office of the Head of Service, which was obtained by Crimefacts, has raised serious questions about adherence to civil service rules and the integrity of public administration in the state.
The letter, signed by the Head Of Service, Mrs. Emenalom Chikaodi, stated that the extension was approved by Governor Hope Uzodimma, while many in the service, insist that the Governor could not have approved the reappointment of a retiree who is already being paid his monthly pensions.
According to government sources, Mr. Francis was brought back by some interest groups in government who are targeting profiting from the printing of the State Junior WAEC Examination question papers within the period.
This move has sparked outrage among staff at the Government Press, located at the IBC premises along Concord Road. Many employees see the decision as a flagrant violation of civil service regulations, which prohibit pensioners from returning to active service while still drawing pension benefits.
Sources hint that the incumbent government printer, Mr. Nwangwu Ikechukwu Gabriel, may have since been sidelined, fueling suspicions of favoritism and corruption within the ranks of the supervising ministry.
Further investigation reveals that the extension was not based on merit or necessity, but rather on alleged juicy promises made by the retired printer to supervising ministry, which oversees the Press.
While some hint that the recall may be to reposition the Press, other sources within the office suggest that the arrangement was orchestrated for personal gain, rather than public good.
This has led to widespread discomfort and demotivation among the staff, who fear that such practices will undermine the principles of fairness and transparency in the civil service.
Meanwhile, there is a reported governor’s directive that the WAEC papers be printed exclusively by the Imo Government Press, a directive that was intended to ensure security and accountability. However, the manner in which the extension was granted has cast a shadow over the process, raising concerns about the potential for abuse and the erosion of public trust.
Civil service experts and anti-corruption advocates have condemned the development, describing it as suggestive of fraud and should be urgently addressed. They argue that allowing a pensioner to return to active duty while continuing to receive pension payments not only contravenes established rules but also sets a dangerous precedent for future governance.
Efforts to obtain a response from the new Government Printer were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report. However, the issue remains a subject of intense debate within the state, with many watching closely to see how the government responds to this transparency and good governance test.
