The Kogi State Government has dismissed allegations of ethnic bias in civil service employment, following a viral voice note claiming the exclusion of Ebira youths from job opportunities.
In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, the government said the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo remains committed to inclusivity, fairness, and merit-based governance.
Fanwo acknowledged that the voice note, attributed to a female civil servant, reflects personal opinions which are protected under the law. However, he emphasized that civil servants are expected to follow established channels for lodging complaints and seeking redress.
He noted that the government respects freedom of expression and will not victimise any citizen for peacefully sharing their views. At the same time, he cautioned against attempts by individuals or groups to sensationalise the issue in ways that could incite public tension.
According to the statement, Governor Ododo has directed that the civil servant involved be granted full protection, while also instructing the civil service to improve internal feedback systems to address grievances more effectively.
The government reiterated that recruitment into the civil service is guided strictly by competence, capacity, and available resources, with a commitment to ensuring fair representation across all parts of the state.
Residents were urged to remain calm and disregard misinformation, as the administration reaffirmed its dedication to transparency, public engagement, and equitable governance.
