The African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Sokoto State, Manir Muhammad Dan’iya, has criticised the state government over what he described as the indiscriminate retention of retired civil servants in active positions.
Dan’iya, in a statement issued by his media aide, Aminu Abdullahi, alleged that the practice was weakening the state’s civil service structure and limiting opportunities for younger civil servants.
He claimed that the alleged extensions affected different levels of the public service, including teachers, headmasters, principals and Permanent Secretaries.
According to him, retired officials whose expertise remained necessary should be engaged through clearly defined contractual arrangements rather than being granted indefinite extensions beyond the statutory retirement age.
Dan’iya also alleged that some individuals without the required professional backgrounds had been assigned to sensitive positions, citing the alleged deployment of teachers as finance officers while trained financial officers were sidelined.
He expressed concern over what he described as poor productivity in some government offices, alleging that some civil servants had little meaningful work to perform while others reportedly appeared at their offices only a few days a week.
The ADC candidate argued that a weak civil service could undermine the government’s ability to deliver essential services in areas such as education, healthcare, water supply, infrastructure, agriculture and security.
He therefore called on the Sokoto State Government to review its policies on post-retirement appointments, extensions and placements, while restoring merit, professionalism and proper career progression within the civil service.
Dan’iya also pledged that, if elected governor, his administration would prioritise merit-based appointments and promotions, succession planning and the deployment of civil servants according to their qualifications and areas of competence.
