Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, took an unexpected step on Wednesday during an unannounced visit to the state secretariat, locking out hundreds of civil servants after discovering that only a few workers were present. The visit, aimed at inspecting ongoing renovation works, including the installation of new lights, revealed a concerning level of absenteeism among the state’s workforce.

Governor’s Reaction to Worker Absenteeism

The governor arrived around 10:35 a.m. and was dismayed to find that many civil servants were absent from their posts. In addition to this, several commissioners and senior officials were also not present at work. Security personnel at the secretariat locked the gates as the governor’s convoy arrived, effectively locking out hundreds of workers who had not yet made it to their offices.

While inspecting various ministries, Governor Alia voiced his disappointment at the lack of commitment from the workers, expressing concern about their neglect of duty.

Addressing the Workers

After the inspection, the governor addressed a crowd of workers gathered at the gate, speaking candidly about the negative impact of their behavior on their families and the state as a whole. “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.

Governor Alia also warned the workers of the potential consequences of their actions, stating, “I have a quick way of getting your names and firing you as I have the power to do so.” He emphasized that his message was coming from his position as a priest, not just as a governor, as he urged them to reflect on their actions and the dangers they posed to the future of the state.

A Call for Responsibility

In his closing remarks, the governor reminded the workers that the government is not just about him but about everyone in the state. “All of you here are the government,” he said. “Even in the family, somebody governs the home and there are rules. And in every government, there are rules.”

Governor Alia’s message highlighted the importance of responsibility and dedication to public service, urging the workers to consider the people they were meant to serve. He concluded by encouraging them to think about the impact their actions have on those they are meant to care for, stressing that they would ultimately bear the consequences of their neglect.