Kogi Refutes Viral Audio On Ebira Employment Marginalisation

The Kogi State Government has responded to a viral voice note allegedly made by a female civil servant, which raised concerns over the purported exclusion of Ebira youths from employment opportunities in the state civil service.

The reaction was coming on the backdrop of a viral video were the Accountant General of the state, Hajia Habibat Onumoko, allegedly threatened to arrest a civil servant who had alleged purported exclusion of Ebira youths from employment opportunities in the state civil service.

The issue had since generated serious concern and worry over infringement on the rights of citizens as it relates to their rights to freedom of expression.

However, in an official statement, by the state’s commissioner of Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, the government acknowledged awareness of both the voice note and a related video that has sparked public reactions across various platforms.

The statement emphasized that Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, remains committed to inclusive governance, describing him as a servant-leader dedicated to equity, active listening, and responsive leadership.

While noting that the opinions expressed in the voice note are personal and protected under the law, the government reiterated that civil servants are expected to utilize established institutional channels for communication and redress of grievances.

Despite this, the administration assured that it would not suppress or persecute any citizen for peacefully expressing their views. It, however, expressed concern over attempts by certain individuals and groups to sensationalize the matter in ways that could incite public tension.

The government further disclosed that Governor Ododo has directed that the concerned civil servant be granted full protection. Additionally, steps have been mandated to strengthen internal feedback mechanisms within the civil service to ensure timely and effective resolution of grievances.

Reaffirming its stance, the government stressed that employment into the civil service would continue to be guided by merit, competence, and available resources, while ensuring fair representation across all parts of the state.

Citizens were urged to remain calm and avoid spreading misinformation capable of escalating tensions.

The statement, signed by Fanwo, concluded by assuring residents that the administration remains committed to transparency, constructive dialogue, and respect for all voices.