By Ibrahim Zubair
The Kogi State Government has reinstated its commitment to fairness, inclusivity, and the protection of citizens’ rights as well as positive disposition towards criticism.
This is coming on the heel of controversy trailing a viral voice note allegedly made by a female civil servant alleging ethnic bias against the people of Kogi Central senatorial district.
In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr. Kingsley Femi Fanwo in Lokoja on Saturday, the government acknowledged the circulation of the audio message and the attendant public reaction on the social media over the alleged marginalisation of Ebira youths from opportunities within the state civil service.
The statement noted that the views expressed in the voice note remained the personal opinion of the individual involved, her right to freedom of expression is fully recognized and will be respected by the government.
Emphasizing that the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo is anchored on inclusivity, open dialogue, and responsive governance, adding that no citizen would be victimized for peacefully airing his/her view on issues of public interest.
The Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo would not renage on his mandate as a servant-leader, entrusted with the protection of lives and property of the good people of Kogi State through the ballot.
According to the statement, the Governmor’s “administration is firmly anchored on the principles of inclusivity, active listening, constructive engagement, and responsive governance,” according to the statement,” adding that the government however expressed concern over what it described as attempts by some individuals and groups to sensationalize the issue in a way that could incite public tension.
It maintained that the matter should be handled through established institutional channels and constructive engagement rather than public agitation.
Poised to de-escalating the situation, the Governor has directed that the civil servant who was at the center of the controversy be granted full protection.
He also instructed the civil service leadership to strengthen its internal feedback mechanisms to ensure that grievances are addressed more efficiently and transparently.
Meanwhile, the government emphasized that recruitment into the civil service is strictly guided by merit, competence, and available resources, with a firm commitment to equitable representation across all parts of the state.
The government advised residents to remain calm and resist any attempt to spread misinformation or create unnecessary division while assuring that transparency, public enlightenment, and continuous engagement with citizens would remain central to governance approach.
“The voices of our people matter,” the statement concluded, underscoring government’s pledge to uphold dignity, fairness, and due process in addressing public concerns while fostering unity and progress across Kogi State.
