It was the second time this week that Ayade would lock workers out for lateness.
Scores of workers were locked out of the Governor’s Office by Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River for arriving late to work on Thursday.
It was the second time this week that Ayade would lock workers out for lateness.
“Governor Ayade locked many workers out again today (Thursday). After yesterday’s incident, it is surprising that many people still came late today. Many of the latecomers are milling around the entrance.
“We suspect that a stiffer action will be taken by the governor against the latecomers if the trend continues. There may be salary deductions or some sort of sanction,” a source in the state civil service said.
Similarly, on Wednesday, hundreds of workers were locked out for arriving late to work.
The governor was said to have arrived at the office at 8 am and expressed surprise to see that many civil servants were not in their offices.
Ayade immediately ordered that a register should be opened and asked the Chief Security Officer to lock the gate against any worker who came late.
SaharaReporters learnt the governor had been away for over two months, claiming to be in search of foreign investors.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported on Wednesday that all cadres of workers were affected including top-ranking officers of the civil service and political appointees.
Mr Christian Ita, Special Adviser on Media to Governor, said the governor had always frowned on indiscipline and shown reward to those committed to their responsibilities.
He said, “The normal resumption time is 8 am, and if a governor can be in the office at that time, why can’t others be around?
“The governor has always shown reward and sanction to workers; he doesn’t hesitate to sanction when you err and also reward you when you are committed to duty.”