Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, on Wednesday, locked out several civil servants at the state secretariat in Makurdi for arriving late to work.
The governor took the action during an unscheduled visit to inspect ongoing renovation works at the secretariat, including the installation of new lights. Arriving at about 10:35 a.m., Governor Alia directed security personnel attached to his convoy to lock the gates, barring latecomers from accessing their offices.
During his tour of several ministries, the governor expressed dissatisfaction with the truancy observed, noting the absence of commissioners and senior officials from their posts.
Addressing some civil servants, Governor Alia voiced concerns over their lackadaisical attitude towards their duties, warning of potential disciplinary actions.
“With what you are doing, you are creating a vicious circle for your families. You cannot get money and be uplifted because you are cheats and because of the effect of what you are doing,” he said.
He continued, “The work I do is not for me, but for those who don’t know I am the governor and those who will see me and not recognise me. I’m appealing to you because I have a quick way of getting your names and firing you, as I have the power to do so.
“I am speaking to you as a priest and not as governor, and telling you the dangers of what you are doing. It is not about me. Who is the government? All of you here are the government. Even in the family, somebody governs the home, and there are rules. And in every government, there are rules.”
Governor Alia urged the civil servants to adopt a more responsible approach to their work, emphasizing the importance of their roles in serving the people of the state.
