Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia locked out hundreds of civil servants during an unscheduled visit to the state secretariat on Wednesday, expressing disappointment over workers’ absence and lack of commitment to duty.
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The governor, who arrived at the secretariat around 10:35 am to inspect ongoing renovation projects, including the installation of new lights, directed security personnel to lock the gates, leaving numerous workers stranded outside.
During his tour of various ministries, Governor Alia observed that many commissioners and senior officials were not present, prompting him to address a crowd of workers gathered at the gate as he exited.
Expressing his concerns, the governor said, “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.
“The work I do is not for me, but for those who don’t know that I am the governor and those who will see me and not recognise me.”
Governor Alia warned the workers about the consequences of their actions, stating, “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.”
He urged the workers to reflect on their responsibilities, emphasizing, “It is not about me, who is 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. I am not frustrated but I do not want you to be doomed.
“See what you can do if not for yourselves but for the people you are caring for and are behind you because they are the ones to take the heat.”
