(DDM) – The Abia State Civil Service Commission has firmly denied allegations that slots in the ongoing recruitment of healthcare workers have been sold to political allies and cronies.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the rumors, which circulated widely across local communities and social media, suggested that certain government officials had “sold out” recruitment slots meant for qualified health professionals.
In response, the Chairman of the Commission, Pastor Eno Jerry Eze, issued an official statement debunking the claims as “baseless and unfounded.”
He explained that the recruitment process was intentionally designed to promote transparency, fairness, and merit, emphasizing that a Computer-Based Test (CBT) and structured interviews were being used to ensure that only the most qualified applicants were selected.
“The Abia State Civil Service Commission has implemented a robust recruitment process that integrates technology and global HR standards,” Eze said. “This ensures fairness and meritocracy at every stage.”
He further revealed that both candidates and stakeholders have praised the process for setting a “new precedent in the public sector for integrity and openness.”
To reinforce accountability, Eze disclosed that final results and documentation statuses of all successful candidates would be publicly published on the official recruitment portal.
“This commitment to transparency leaves no room for manipulation or alteration,” he added.
The Commission also urged citizens to report any verifiable cases of fraud or misrepresentation, assuring that every credible report would be thoroughly investigated, with decisive disciplinary actions taken against offenders.
Eze reaffirmed the Commission’s dedication to building a competent and professional healthcare workforce, stressing that the government’s focus remains on improving public service quality rather than political patronage.
Meanwhile, Governor Alex Otti, represented by the Commissioner for Health, Professor Enoch Ogbonnaya Uche, emphasized his administration’s determination to strengthen the healthcare system across all wards in the state.
He lamented the increasing maternal deaths caused by complications handled by unregulated traditional birth attendants, warning that his administration would take firm action to curb their operations.
Governor Otti disclosed that the state has commenced the retrofitting of 200 Primary Health Centres (PHCs), each equipped with modern medical tools such as automatic external defibrillators, radiant warmers, vital signs monitors, ultrasound machines, and auto analysers.
He also announced plans to construct staff quarters for health workers to enhance welfare and service delivery, urging traditional rulers and community leaders to take ownership of the facilities.
During an inspection of a newly upgraded PHC at Ohiya, the governor was accompanied by the State Director of Orientation Agency, Mrs. Ure Abazie, and the traditional ruler of Ohiya, Eze Abel Uhuegbu.
The Mayor of Umuahia South LGA, Engineer Chinedu Enwereuzo, praised Otti’s people-oriented governance, describing the health projects as “true evidence of leadership anchored on compassion and vision.”
He encouraged the community to protect the installed equipment and to appreciate the governor’s efforts through civic participation, particularly by ensuring they possess valid Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
Mrs. Ure Abazie also commended the state government’s prioritization of healthcare, describing the initiative as a turning point for Abians, especially rural dwellers who have long suffered from medical neglect.
With the clarification from the Abia State Civil Service Commission, the state government appears determined to maintain credibility in its recruitment processes while advancing Governor Otti’s broader vision of rebuilding Abia’s healthcare infrastructure on principles of transparency, equity, and professionalism.