Tension as EFCC screens civil servants in Delta

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have commenced the screening of civil servants in Delta State.

Panic has enveloped workers across several government offices undergoing the verification exercise, especially those who have skeletons in their cupboards.

The exercise, which reportedly began last week, covered key government establishments, including the Pre-Audit Office, the Office of the Head of Service, the Office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), and the Deputy Governor’s Office.

A staff member in the Chief of Staff’s Office, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said workers were unaware that the officials conducting the exercise were from the EFCC.

According to the source, employees were instructed to present their credentials for screening and only later discovered that the exercise was being carried out by EFCC operatives.

“We were screened on Wednesday, but we were not told the officials were from the EFCC. We believed they were from the Office of the Head of Service.

“It was only after the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) issued a statement that we realised the officials were from the anti-graft agency,” the worker said.

The source added that the purpose of the screening and the authority behind it were unclear, describing the development as unprecedented in the state.

Reacting to the exercise, the Delta State councils of the NLC and TUC expressed concern that organised labour was neither formally notified nor adequately briefed before the screening commenced.

In a joint statement signed by NLC State Secretary, Comrade Enekhawore Acrobat, and TUC Secretary, Okafor Henry, the labour bodies stated that they were closely monitoring the situation and would engage relevant authorities to ensure the exercise is conducted professionally, fairly, and without intimidation, harassment, or victimisation of workers.

The unions urged workers to remain calm and cooperate with the exercise while assuring them that their rights and welfare would be protected. They also advised workers to promptly report any concerns through the appropriate union channels.

When contacted, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale said he was attending an event and would respond later.