The chairman of Local government service commission in Ekiti State Mr Samuel Abejide has issued a strong warning to the staff allegedly engaging in behind-the-scenes political disloyalty, describing such behavior as dangerous and self-destructive.
Mr. Abejide, gave the charge while on a strategic tour across of Ekiti East, Ikole, Ayikere, and Ado Local Government areas of the state.
The chairman who was represented at Ekiti East by one the commissioners in the commission, prince Suyi Aladesanmi said “We’ve heard rumors that some individuals are playing hide-and-seek with politics. Let me caution us whoever bites the finger that feeds them may find themselves in a situation they can’t recover from,” he said.
The Commissioner emphasized that the visit was not routine, but aimed at sensitizing and educating workers on the serious consequences of working against the government of the day.
Another Commissioner, Mr Wole Olujobi at Ayekire local government who met with heads of departments, urged civil servants to actively support the current administration led by BAO and ensure full participation in next year’s elections.
He charge them to hold meetings with their teams to promote understanding and backing of the government’s achievements, emphasizing that civil servants are allowed to engage in politics only if it aligns with the ruling party.
At Ikole Local Government Hon. Cecila Dada who is also a commissioner, called on everyone to register and obtain their VOTER cards, including transferring registrations if necessary, to guarantee their votes count during the next election. She highlighted Bao’s success in delivering progress and appealed for continued voter mobilization.
The last port of call was Ado Local government where the chairman represented by comrade Segun Onaade urged the directors to fairly distribute resources to their subordinates to foster inclusiveness and open communication within their departments.
The Commissioners emphasized their visit was to re-echo to the staff that their role is vital in sustaining the progress and grace currently being enjoyed in the administration of BAO,
“Support the government, engage your teams, encourage voter registration, and uphold unity.
Together, we ensure continued development and success in ekiti”
They added “You’ve seen the kind of attention and resources that are now flowing to the local government level. During past administrations, especially since the early 1980s, we didn’t see this level of engagement. But now—under *BAO’s leadership*—things have changed. Initiatives that were abandoned have been revived, and we are seeing results that speak for themselves.
So many good things are happening—too many to count. What we ask from you now is simple:
Enlighten your subordinates.* Keep reminding them of the good this administration has brought. Not that they don’t know—but repetition strengthens awareness.
Spread the word. Let your parents, friends, colleagues, and communities know the benefits that have come to the service under this administration. Don’t keep quiet.
Don’t say “I’m not a politician.”* You may not be in politics, but you must educate those around you. If they take wrong steps, they might unknowingly affect your career and their own. Silence is not an option when it comes to protecting progress.
Guard your career jealously.* If you don’t defend what you’ve built, it can be ruined. Your service, your path, your future—protect it”. They remarked.
The Permanent Secretary, Mrs Titilayo Toba-Ojo in her address said “As staff of local governments, we are indeed fortunate that there is a court judgment that allows us to participate in politics to a certain degree. I believe some of us are aware of this, right? However, that judgment also comes with a caveat—there is a limit. You may participate in politics, but you must not cross certain boundaries.
Any political activity that goes beyond supporting the government currently in power is no longer politics—it’s sabotage. Such actions amount to shooting oneself below the belt. And I strongly believe none of us here should be involved in such self-destructive behavior.”
We all know the love *BAO* has for us. and we have discussed in detail the numerous achievements of the Governor in our system. And as they say, “To whom much is given, much is expected.” He has done well for us. The least we can do is to continually recognize and support his presence and efforts.”
He has publicly declared that local government staff are his people. So why would any of us now choose to join forces with those who do not appreciate or support that?”
” Let me remind us: the Commission is empowered to *hire and fire*. Do not push the Commission to exercise the latter.”
She added that, “Very soon, we’ll begin preparations for the *2024 and 2025 promotion exercises*. If you haven’t heard, you will soon be invited for interviews. So please, go and prepare. If your *APAR form* is not yet in your file, don’t repeat last year’s mistake. Ensure all required documents are complete to make you eligible for your promotion.”
The Nugle chairman in Ekiti East Mr. Afolabi Gabriel said in his response “I would have even said that we don’t really need the Commission to come to Ekiti East—because we are a unique set of people. This is the gateway to the Southwest from Abuja. We are very unique in that we always listen and act promptly on instructions.
Mr Afolabi noted that the permanent secretary was with them two months ago and told them many things they were supposed to do.
“Since then, we’ve swung into action. You rightly observed that in Ekiti East, we don’t have defaulters, and I assure you again, we are responsible and law-abiding people.
With all this in mind, we must continue to do more. As you rightly said, we must not bite the finger that feeds us. If we do, how will we continue to eat?”
We already know what to do without being told. You said “one man, one vote.” But in Ekiti East, we say “one man, three votes.” Let me explain: as a father, my firstborn is over 18 years. That gives me four votes—mine and my children’s. So in Ekiti East, we are committed: one man, four votes—for the local government.” He added
In the meantime, Nulge chairmen representing other Local Government staff have declared their unwavering support for Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO).
During an official engagement with representatives of the Local Government Service Commission, the Nugle chairmen emphasized their commitment to the BAO-led administration, stating that “from their head to toe, it is for BAO.”
They reaffirmed their loyalty, saying they could not afford to “bite the finger that is feeding” them, acknowledging the governor’s numerous contributions to their welfare and career development.
They also expressed their readiness to mobilize support and votes in favor of the governor, highlighting achievements in job satisfaction, prompt promotions, and responsive governance under BAO’s leadership.
E-signed
Omolara Oladija
Director of information
