Ekane Ivo Ekoti, Rapporteur of the North West Public Service Board.
What was topical about the first session of the North West Public Service Disciplinary Council?
The Regional Public Service Board was created based on Ministerial Order No. 006557 of 28h October 2014. The Board met in Bamenda to examine 35 files from the Regional Delegations of MINCAF, MINEPIA and MINESEC. We met under the guidance of the Chairman, the Governor of the North West Region, with members including the Regional Finance Controller, Head of Division for Legal and Administrative Affairs and the Regional Delegate for Public Service and Administrative Reforms, MINFOPRA.
When the Delegate of the accused is a member of the Board, then, the Staff Representative is co-opted. If the accused is a Contract Officer under the Labour Code, then the Regional Delegate of Labour and Social Security participates in discussions. Five of the 35 accused appeared to defend themselves against charges of prolonged absence and disrespect, while some 21 abandoned their jobs, though they continue to receive remuneration for work undone.
What does it take for a worker to appear before the Board?
It all begins with the boss of the accused who notices irregularities in professional behaviour. He is required to issue a written query for prolonged absence of 30 days or more. Radio announcements can also be made, appealing to the worker to return to work. If they fail to comply, their file is forwarded to the Governor. He is expected to prepare another query seeking clarification on the matter raised by the boss of the accused.
The file is forwarded to the Governor only when the reply of the accused is unsatisfactory. The Governor forwards the response to the Regional Public Service Disciplinary Board, which summons the accused for a hearing report or face-to-face interview with the Rapporteur and the Secretary of the Board.
The accused is also briefed on his right of defence after which the Secretary prepares a summary report for the Board to work on. After the defence, the accused retreats for the Board to agree on sanctions. Our decisions are communicated to the concerned, their regional delegation, the Ministry of Public Service and Administrative Reforms and the Ministry of Finance.
The Regional Public Service Board is competent to decide first and second grade sanctions that include written warnings and reprimand. The Disciplinary Council that holds at the national level is competent to decide third and fourth grade sanctions that include dismissals and suspension of salaries.
Why did it take two years for the Regional Public Service Disciplinary Board to hold its first meeting?
MINFOPRA Regional Delegates took time to train on rules and procedures and on how respective Board Sessions are to be handled. After receiving sound knowledge of instruments to operate, we also took time to transfer knowledge on rules and procedures to staff of regional delegations before a Task Force was created to ensure the regular presence of civil servants and State workers, using instruments like attendance sheets and class diaries, assiduity, punctuality, etc. Only then could we hold the first session of the Board.
