Kogi Government Responds to Civil Servant’s Viral Voice Note on Employment Bias

The Kogi State Government has officially responded to a viral voice note in which a female civil servant alleged that Ebira youths were being excluded from employment opportunities within the state civil service.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, said the administration of Governor Ahmed Ododo is committed to inclusivity, active listening, constructive engagement, and responsive governance.

The government also noted that it had taken cognisance of reactions generated by a related video circulating on the matter.

Fanwo described the governor as a servant-leader who holds the people’s mandate through the ballot box. He acknowledged that the views expressed in the voice note represent the personal opinion of the individual, which she is legally entitled to hold. However, he reminded that civil servants are expected to follow 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 their views,” Fanwo said.

The commissioner expressed regret that some individuals and groups have attempted to sensationalise the issue in a manner that could inflame public sentiment, stressing that the matter remains within the realm of constructive engagement and institutional resolution.

Governor Ododo has directed that the concerned civil servant be accorded full protection. He also mandated the civil service to strengthen internal feedback mechanisms to ensure grievances are addressed promptly and effectively.

Fanwo reiterated that the government operates on the principles of equity, fairness, and merit. He added that the governor 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 commissioner said.

He called on residents to remain calm and disregard attempts to create unnecessary tension or spread misinformation around the issue, assuring that the administration remains committed to transparency, public enlightenment, and continuous citizen engagement.

“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,” Fanwo added.