The Kogi State Government has reacted to a viral voice note allegedly recorded by a female civil servant, dismissing claims of exclusion of Ebira youths from employment opportunities and reaffirming its commitment to fairness and inclusivity.
In a press statement issued on Saturday, the government said it had taken note of both the voice recording and a related video circulating on social media, which generated public reactions.
 The statement emphasized that the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo is anchored on inclusivity, active listening, and responsive governance.
According to the statement, while the views expressed in the voice note represent the personal opinion of the individual, civil servants are encouraged to use established channels for communication and grievance redress.
However, the government stressed that it remains committed to protecting freedom of expression and would not persecute any citizen for peacefully expressing their views.
The governor also directed that the concerned civil servant be accorded full protection, even as the civil service was mandated to strengthen internal feedback mechanisms to address grievances promptly.
The government described attempts to sensationalize the issue as unnecessary and capable of inflaming public sentiment.
Reiterating its stance, the administration said employment into the civil service would continue to be guided by competence, merit, and availability of resources, ensuring fair representation across the state. It called on residents to remain calm and disregard misinformation surrounding the matter.
The statement assured citizens that their voices would always be treated with dignity and respect, adding that constructive dialogue and adherence to due process would guide governance in the state.
The statement was signed by Kingsley Femi Fanwo, Commissioner for Information and Communications, and dated April 11, 2026.
