The Federal Government has taken immediate disciplinary action against Mr. Ozuruonye Chukuma, the Registrar of Benin Federal Marriage Registry due to what it termed gross negligence of duties, absence from duties without leave and acts unbecoming of a public officer-all in negation of the Public Service Rules.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, and Principal Registrar of Marriages in Nigeria, Dr. Shuaib Belgore said the decision was in line with the ethics of the Civil Service which encourages, diligence and discipline for public officers.
“This will serve as deterrent to others who are careless with their official duties,” Belgore said.
Belgore explained he had directed immediate investigation into the incident and ordered that Mr. Ozuronye Chukuma be relieved of his duties as a Marriage Registrar in Benin Federal Marriage Registry and recalled to the Headquarters in Abuja immediately, pending the conclusion of investigation.
It would be recalled that some sections of the media reported that the said officer was not at his duty post to carry out his statutory role when, on Friday 28th May, 2021, an intending couple and their family members were at the Marriage Registry for the event, but the Registrar was not on ground to conduct the Marriage.
The Permanent Secretary and Principal Marriage Registrar of Marriages in Nigeria noted that the Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has warned all Federal Marriage Registrars who handle their official duties with levity to desist from such acts or be ready to face disciplinary actions.
The Permanent Secretary and Principal Registrar of Marriages in Nigeria, on behalf of the Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, and the entire Ministry, tenders an unreserved apology to the Couple, Mr. Abel Ugiagbe, Miss Marian Obire and their family members who were made to face disappointment on a day that should have been for joyful celebration.
