Governor Alia locks out late-coming civil servants in Benue

Civil servants in Benue State were locked out of their offices on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, following an unannounced visit by the state governor, Hyacinth Alia.

The governor arrived at the state secretariat at about 10:35 am to inspect ongoing renovations and the installation of lights at the facility.

To his dismay, only a handful of workers were present. In response, security personnel were instructed to lock the gates, leaving hundreds of latecomers stranded outside while the governor toured various ministries.

During the visit, Governor Alia expressed disappointment over the absence of some commissioners and senior officers, emphasizing the need for punctuality and discipline in the civil service.

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Addressing the workers who were locked outside the secretariat premises, Alia 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,” Alia said.

He appealed to the state workers to show committment to their job responsibilities or face sanctions.

He said, “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 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,” he added.