Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has made it clear that the state government has no intention to punish a female civil servant whose complain about persistent unemployment, especially among the youth in the Central Senatorial District went viral in social media.
The Governor said that he remain a servant-leader, entrusted with the mandate of the people through the ballot.
“My administration is firmly anchored on the principles of inclusivity, active listening, constructive engagement, and responsive governance.”
In a seven paragraph statement today, April 11, by Kingsley Femi Fanwo, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Governor Ododo said that the female civil servant is fully entitled to her personal opinion under the law.
“It is also important to emphasize that civil servants are guided by established channels for communication and redress. Nonetheless, this administration is committed to upholding freedom of expression and will neither suppress nor persecute any citizen for peacefully expressing his or her views.”
The governor expressed regret that certain individuals and groups have sought to sensationalize the issue in a manner capable of inflaming public sentiment, adding that the matter remains within the realm of constructive engagement and institutional resolution.
“His Excellency has, therefore, directed that the concerned civil servant be accorded full protection, while also mandating the Civil Service to strengthen internal feedback mechanisms to ensure that grievances are addressed promptly and effectively.
“The Government reiterates that it operates on the principles of equity, fairness, and merit. “Governor Ododo has sworn an oath to serve the entire state without bias or sectional preference. Employment into the civil service will continue to be guided strictly by competence, capacity, and the availability of resources, ensuring that all parts of the state are fairly represented.”
The Governor called on the people of Kogi State to remain calm and to disregard attempts to create unnecessary tension or misinformation around this issue. ” “The present administration remains unwavering in its commitment to transparency, public enlightenment and continuous engagement with citizens, particularly in clarifying government policies, programs, and decisions.
“The Kogi State Government assures all citizens that their voices matter and will always be treated with dignity and respect. Constructive dialogue, mutual understanding and adherence to due process will continue to guide our collective progress.”
The female civil servant who spoke in the viral audio has not been clearly identified in reliable public reports.
The name most people are seeing is Habibat Onumoko that has been tied to the reaction, controversy, not necessarily confirmed as the speaker herself.
The senior female civil servant is believed to work in the office of Kogi State Accountant-General.
The female civil servant’s voice recording circulated, complaining about unemployment and lack of opportunities in Kogi State, especially among the youth in the Central Senatorial District of the state
The issue escalated into a public controversy involving the office of the Accountant-General.ffice of the Accountant-General.
