Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has attributed the failure of civil servants in the state’s promotion and confirmation examinations to lack of adequate preparation. Otti made this statement during his monthly media chat at Government House, Umuahia, where he fielded questions from journalists.

According to Otti, those who failed the initial examination will be given another chance to retake the test. However, he emphasized that failure to pass the examination would mean remaining in the same position until a pass is achieved. “The reality is that if you don’t prepare well for an exam, you’re likely to fail,” he stated.

Otti also noted that the state is moving away from the previous culture where all candidates would pass examinations in the civil service. This new approach aims to promote meritocracy and accountability within the state’s civil service.

In other developments, Otti revealed that security agencies are investigating allegations of pension fund theft involving some civil servants. He maintained that the stealing of public funds will not be tolerated in the state.

Additionally, Otti announced that he has directed the Abia State Accountant General to pay the retirement benefits of disengaged Permanent Secretaries. He also assured that the Governors of the South East are collaborating to address insecurity challenges in the region.

Otti further promised to investigate allegations of extortion by a group of security agents operating as a Mobile Court along the Abia State section of the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway.