Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia took an unexpected step to address worker absenteeism when he locked out hundreds of civil servants during an unscheduled visit to the state secretariat on Wednesday.
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Arriving at around 10:35 a.m. to inspect renovation projects, including new lighting installations, the governor was met with a nearly empty office complex.
Reacting swiftly, the governor instructed security personnel to lock the gates, effectively barring latecomers and absent workers from entering the premises.
Touring various ministries, Governor Alia found many offices deserted, with key commissioners and senior officials absent from their duties.
Addressing a crowd of locked-out workers gathered outside the secretariat, the governor expressed his disappointment with their lack of dedication.
He emphasized the consequences of their actions, stating, “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.”
Speaking both as a governor and as a priest, Alia warned workers of the dangers of shirking their responsibilities.
“I have a quick way of getting your names and firing you as I have the power to do so. I am appealing to you because this is not about me it’s about those who rely on you. Who is government? All of you here are the government.”
The governor concluded his remarks with a call for accountability and a sense of duty, urging the workers to think about the people depending on them.
“See what you can do if not for yourselves, then for the people you are caring for and who are behind you, because they are the ones to take the heat.”
The dramatic visit underscores Governor Alia’s resolve to enforce discipline and improve productivity in the civil service.
However, the incident has sparked mixed reactions among workers and the public, with some applauding his proactive stance and others criticizing the method as heavy-handed.