The Ondo State Government has warned civil servants to stay away from political activities ahead of the November 16 governorship election in the state.

The state Head of Service, Bayo Philip, gave the warning on Wednesday during the commencement of the 2024 promotion exercise for civil servants in the state.

Mr Philip charged them to maintain the highest standard of professionalism and adhere to the established rules and regulations of the service.

“I must also tell you, this is an election year, do your job. You are civil servants and have nothing to do with partisan politics, engage your mind more than you engage your mouths.

“I want to admonish you, in your respective desks, you must not deliver short of quality and you must not deliver late.

“Whatever you are to do must not be short of quality and must not be done late. Do your job as patriotic civil servants that you are,” he said.

He disclosed that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa had approved the promotion of 4,200 workers with attendant financial benefits.

Mr Philip, who appreciated the governor for the gesture, urged the benefiting workers to reciprocate by putting their best in service delivery, saying “to whom much is giving, much is expected.”

”I must appreciate Mr Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who said, ‘head of service, don’t pursue me with any file, everyone who is due for promotion, go ahead and promote them.’

”The position of our governor is that a labourer is worthy of his wage even before his sweat will dry and an officer is worthy of his promotion as and when due,” the HoS said.

Earlier in her remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Establishment and Training, Olufunke Dare-Atuse, enjoined participants not to take the promotion for granted, but rather justify it through improved efficiency in their new positions.

Mrs Dare-Atuse lauded the government for prompt approval of the process and without stringent conditions and unnecessary encumbrances.

(NAN)