In an unexpected move, Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia took drastic action by locking out hundreds of civil servants at the state secretariat due to their late arrival to work. The incident occurred during an unscheduled visit by the governor to inspect ongoing renovations, including the installation of new lighting, around 10:35 AM on Wednesday.
Upon arrival, Governor Alia’s convoy prompted security personnel to close the gates of the secretariat, effectively preventing numerous employees from accessing their offices. This action came after the governor toured several ministries and was visibly disappointed by the low attendance, particularly noting the absence of several commissioners and high-ranking officials.
Governor Alia, addressing the civil servants who had gathered outside the locked gates, expressed his frustration with their work ethic. “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 stated. He emphasized the responsibility that comes with public service, warning of potential disciplinary actions if the behavior persists.
The decision to lock out workers reflects Governor Alia’s ongoing efforts to address issues within the civil service, which has seen several reforms since his administration began. Previously, Alia had announced the nullification of recent appointments made by the prior administration, aiming for what he described as a cleanup of the civil service to ensure efficiency and adherence to state character principles.
This incident has also reignited discussions about work culture in Benue State’s public sector, with some advocating for alternative, less punitive methods to improve punctuality and attendance, like flexible hours or improved transportation solutions for civil servants.
The lockdown of the secretariat has certainly set a precedent, drawing attention not only to the issue of punctuality but also to broader governance and management practices within Benue State’s civil service. Whether this move will lead to a long-term change in work habits among state employees remains to be seen, but it has undoubtedly put the spotlight on Governor Alia’s administrative style.