The Kogi State Government has responded to a viral voice recording allegedly made by a female civil servant, which raised concerns about the reported marginalisation of Ebira youths in state civil service recruitment.
In a statement released on Saturday, the Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, said the administration of Governor Ahmed Ododo is grounded in inclusiveness, responsiveness, and open engagement with citizens.
Fanwo noted that the government is aware of both the audio recording and a related video that have sparked public reactions.
He emphasised that the governor, whom he described as a servant-leader elected by the people, remains committed to listening to citizens’ concerns.
He acknowledged that the opinions expressed in the voice note reflect the personal views of the individual involved, adding that she has the legal right to express herself.
However, he pointed out that civil servants are expected to follow official channels when raising grievances or seeking redress.
“Nonetheless, this administration is committed to upholding freedom of expression and will neither suppress nor persecute any citizen for peacefully expressing their views,” he said.
Fanwo further criticised attempts by some individuals and groups to escalate the matter, warning against actions that could heighten public tension.
According to him, “it is, however, regrettable that certain individuals and groups have sought to sensationalise the issue in a manner capable of inflaming public sentiment.
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The matter, in reality, remains within the realm of constructive engagement and institutional resolution.
“He 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 commissioner reiterated that the state government operates on principles of fairness, equity, and merit, stressing that Governor Ododo has pledged to serve all residents without bias.uy
“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,” he added.
He urged residents to stay calm and ignore efforts aimed at spreading misinformation or causing unnecessary unrest.
“The present administration remains unwavering in its commitment to transparency, public enlightenment, and continuous engagement with citizens, particularly in clarifying government policies, programmes, 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,” he added.