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DELTA STATE GOVERNMENT DEFENDS CIVIL SERVICE DRESS CODE POLICY

Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, has defended the state government’s reinforcement of civil service dress code, emphasizing it is rooted in existing rules aimed at sustaining professionalism in public service. Speaking on a Television program, Aniagwu explained the policy reminds civil servants of long-standing regulations mandating decency and corporate appearance while on duty. “Civil servants are bound by the Nigerian Constitution, state laws, and Delta State Civil Service Rules, which clearly spell out standards of conduct and dress code. Chapter One, Code 01001 applies to every civil servant, while Code 04314 requires decent dressing in office or representing government,” Aniagwu stated. He compared the regulation to private sector practices, saying, “Just as banks and corporate institutions enforce standards, the civil service must reflect decency and discipline.” Addressing wardrobe allowance concerns, Aniagwu dismissed claims of financial strain, noting, “If they can afford elegant attire for weddings and parties, the workplace deserves decency.” Aniagwu recalled the dress code was emphasized under past administrations and is being reinforced under Governor Sheriff Oborevwori. He said the Head of Service legally issued the directive after engaging stakeholders. “This circular is not punitive, it’s a reminder of what’s in place. It’s about projecting a decent image and instilling discipline.” The commissioner clarified the policy doesn’t intrude on personal lives; civil servants dress freely outside work. “If you’re swimming, you dress for the pool. But in the office, you must dress by the rules representing state government,” he insisted. On beards, Aniagwu said, “Not a ban, but a guide to ensure neatness. We don’t want artistic styles presenting the service in an unserious light.” Delta prioritizes welfare, adopting minimum wage and contributing to pensions, he added. “The civil service isn’t a free-for-all; it’s governed by rules. Let’s reflect decency, respect uniformity, project Delta State’s right image,” Aniagwu concluded.

TRUMP, BIDEN, AND ZELENSKY FACE CRITICISM FOR DRESS CODE BREACH AT POPE’S FUNERAL

World leaders gathered at the Vatican for the funeral of Pope Francis, with many adhering to a strict dress code. However, some prominent leaders, including Donald Trump, Joe Biden, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, faced criticism for breaching the dress code. Trump wore a mid-blue suit with a shiny blue tie, while Biden opted for a dark suit with a blue tie. Zelensky, on the other hand, wore an all-black combat-style jacket over a black shirt and trousers, but no tie. The dress code specified that men should wear a dark suit with a long black tie and white shirt. Many onlookers criticized Trump for his outfit, saying he stuck out like a sore thumb among other leaders. “Why is Trump the only male world leader who is wearing a blue suit?” asked Alison Graham. “Has he no sense of appropriacy? Shame on him.” Others echoed similar sentiments, with some questioning whether Trump had a black suit or a dark blue one to wear. “Did he not have a black suit? At least a dark blue one? Where is the respect?” fumed Madaelene. The controversy comes just two months after Zelensky faced criticism for wearing combat clothes during a visit to the White House. Trump had defended Zelensky’s attire at the time, saying he was “dressed beautifully.” However, reports suggested that Trump was actually irritated by Zelensky’s clothing. The funeral dress code was strict, with men required to wear dark suits, long black ties, and white shirts. Women were asked to wear long black dresses, gloves, and veils, with only a string of pearls allowed as jewelry. Melania Trump, attending the funeral on her 55th birthday, wore a conservative black coat with a lace veil and gloves, while Jill Biden opted for a black blazer and skirt with a delicate lace veil. Despite the criticism, the funeral ceremony was attended by hundreds of thousands of mourners, who packed into St. Peter’s Square and surrounding streets. The pontiff was remembered as “a pope among the people, with an open heart,” who strove for a more compassionate and open-minded Catholic Church.