The Kogi State Government has denied allegations of ethnic bias in its civil service recruitment, following the circulation of a viral voice note that claimed Ebira youths were being excluded from job opportunities.
The government described the claim as misleading and capable of creating unnecessary tension among the people, insisting that its employment process is based on fairness, merit, and equal representation.
The controversy began after a voice note, said to have been recorded by a female civil servant, went viral on social media. In the recording, the speaker alleged that qualified youths from the Ebira ethnic group were not being considered for employment in the state civil service.
The voice note quickly gained attention online and sparked reactions from different parts of the state, with some expressing concern over what they described as possible marginalisation.
However, in a statement issued on Saturday, the Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, dismissed the claims and reassured residents that the government remains committed to inclusivity and equal opportunity.
According to him, the administration of Governor Ahmed Ododo is built on principles that promote fairness and active engagement with citizens.
“The government is firmly anchored on inclusivity, active listening, constructive engagement, and responsive governance,” Fanwo said.
He noted that the state government had also taken note of reactions generated by a related video circulating on the same issue, adding that steps were being taken to address concerns in a calm and lawful manner.
Fanwo stressed that Governor Ododo sees himself as a servant-leader who was elected to serve all parts of the state without bias.
“The governor was given a mandate by the people through the ballot, and he remains committed to serving everyone equally,” he said.
While acknowledging the concerns raised in the voice note, the commissioner said the views expressed represent the personal opinion of the individual involved.
He added that while every citizen has the right to express their views, civil servants are expected to follow established channels when raising official concerns.
“In line with public service rules, there are clear processes for communication and redress,” he explained. “However, the government will not suppress or punish anyone for peacefully expressing their opinion.”
Fanwo also expressed concern over what he described as attempts by some individuals and groups to exaggerate the issue and present it in a way that could inflame public sentiment.
“It is unfortunate that some people are trying to sensationalise the matter,” he said. “In reality, this is an issue that can be handled through dialogue and proper institutional channels.”
As part of efforts to address the situation, the commissioner said Governor Ododo has directed that the civil servant linked to the voice note be protected and not subjected to any form of intimidation.
He added that the governor has also instructed the civil service to strengthen its internal feedback system to ensure that complaints from workers are addressed quickly and effectively.
According to Fanwo, this step is necessary to build trust within the system and prevent similar issues from escalating in the future.
“The concerned civil servant will be given full protection,” he said. “At the same time, we are improving our internal processes so that grievances can be resolved without delay.”
The government further maintained that recruitment into the civil service is strictly guided by competence, available vacancies, and the need to ensure fair representation across the state.
Kogi State is made up of different ethnic groups, including the Igala, Ebira, and Okun, and issues of representation have often been sensitive in the state’s political and administrative structure.
Fanwo said the present administration is aware of these sensitivities and is committed to ensuring that no group is treated unfairly.
“Employment into the civil service will continue to be based on merit, capacity, and available resources,” he said. “At the same time, we will ensure that all parts of the state are fairly represented.”
He called on residents to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information that could lead to tension.
“We urge the public to disregard attempts to create division or spread misinformation,” he said. “This government remains committed to transparency and continuous engagement with the people.”
The commissioner also emphasised the importance of dialogue in resolving issues, noting that constructive engagement is key to building a stronger and more united state.
According to him, the government is open to feedback and is always willing to listen to the concerns of citizens.
“The voices of our people matter, and they will always be treated with respect,” he said. “We believe in dialogue, mutual understanding, and due process as the path to progress.”
The incident has once again highlighted the role of social media in shaping public opinion and influencing political discussions in Nigeria.
In recent years, viral messages, videos, and voice notes have become powerful tools for raising awareness on various issues. However, they have also been criticised for sometimes spreading unverified or misleading information.
For many residents of Kogi State, the government’s response is expected to calm tensions and provide reassurance that the system remains fair.
However, some observers believe that beyond statements, there is a need for continued transparency in recruitment processes to build public confidence.
They argue that clear communication about how jobs are allocated, including the criteria used, can help reduce suspicion and prevent misunderstandings.
As the situation continues to generate discussion, stakeholders say it is important for all parties to act responsibly and focus on maintaining peace in the state.
For now, the Kogi State Government insists that there is no policy or practice that excludes any ethnic group from civil service employment.
It maintains that fairness, equity, and merit remain the guiding principles of its administration, and that all citizens, regardless of background, have equal opportunity to serve the state.
With tensions gradually easing, many residents hope that the issue will lead to stronger systems and better communication between the government and the people, ensuring that concerns are addressed before they grow into larger disputes.