Scapegoating refers to unfair practice of blaming a person for problems they did not cause, often to deflect responsibility, reduce anxiety, or simplify complex issues. This was what the Accountant General of Kogi State, Habiba Oyiza Tijani threatened to do to a Director in Kogi State for complaining about the problems facing the civil service in the state.
In a leaked voice note, the Director whose name is redacted, was heard stating problems such as short-staffed departments, overlabour and unemployment gaps in the Ministries.
Pissed by the voice note, the Accountant General gathered Ebira staff working under her in her office, played the audio and threatened to use the woman as a scapegoat as the victim’s husband and other workers begged her.
Mrs. Habiba was also heard in the video of the gathering, stating she was acting on the orders of the Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo.
However, in a press release through the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, the governor has rejected scapegoating, noting his administration is committed to freedom of expression, constructive engagement and responsive governance.
Governor Ododo also ordered that the Director be accorded full protection, adding that his administration will neither suppress nor persecute any citizen for peacefully expressing their views.
“It is, however, regrettable that certain individuals and groups have sought to sensationalize the issue in a manner capable of inflaming public sentiment. The matter, in reality, remains within the realm of constructive engagement and institutional resolution. His Excellency has, therefore, directed that the concerned civil servant be accorded full protection, while also mandating the Civil Service to strengthen internal feedback mechanisms to ensure that grievances are addressed promptly and effectively.
“The Government reiterates that it operates on the principles of equity, fairness, and merit. Governor Ododo has sworn an oath to serve the entire state without bias or sectional preference. Employment into the civil service will continue to be guided strictly by competence, capacity, and the availability of resources, ensuring that all parts of the state are fairly represented,” he said.
The Governor further called on the people of the state to remain calm and disregard attempts to create unnecessary tension or misinformation around the issue.
He assured all citizens that their voices matter and will always be treated with dignity and respect.
