The Executive Secretary of the Anambra State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Pharmacist Chisom Uchem has apologized to the public on behalf of the agency, for the recent publication of a vacancy advertisement that specified a preference for applicants of Anambra State origin for positions in the Agency.
The said job advertisement which informed of openings for health workers across various cadres with the agency, had insisted that applicants must be from Anambra State.
At a news conference at the Anambra State Ministry of Health, Awka, Uchem tendered the apologies, acknowledging the contradiction between her poor judgment and the non-discriminatory principles upheld by the Chukwuma Soludo’s administration.
According to her, “the publication conveyed an untrue impression of discrimination in public appointments, a sentiment that is negates the principles and values upheld under Soludo’s administration.”
She revealed that Governor Soludo’s appointments are merit-based and a fair treatment of all citizens irrespective of their state, tribe, religion or sectional affiliations, recalling the recent recruitment of 5000 teachers on merit.
While pledging her commitment to uphold the shared visions of progress and inclusivity in Anambra State, the ASPHDA boss maintained that she has taken immediate steps to rectify the oversight and to ensure that such errors are not repeated in the future.
Alsao speaking, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike said the advert for health care workers in the state goes against the vision, mission and manifesto of Governor Soludo.
He noted that Governor Soludo is committed to fostering unity, peace and inclusivity in the state regardless of tribe, state or ethnicity.
Commissioner Obidike explained that Anambra State Government believes in meritocracy, dedicated to employing the best hands to ensure effective service delivery to all citizens, saying that Governor Soludo has made it clear that competence, experience and dedication are the key criteria for employment in the state.
“The advert which states that the ongoing recruitment is for indigenes of the state, does not reflect the views of the current administration thus the need to correct the wrong impression circulating in the media as a result of the misleading advert.
“The Anambra State Government under Mr Governor believes in meritocracy, and is dedicated to employing the best hands to ensure effective service delivery to all citizens,” he pointed out.
