Kogi Government Strengthen Public Service Discipline as Permanent Secretaries Takes Oath of Secrecy

By Aishat Ohunene Yusuf

Today marked a significant milestone in the ongoing reform of the Kogi State Public Service, as the Office of the Head of Civil Service spearheaded the formal administration of the Oath of Office, Allegiance, and Secrecy to all Permanent Secretaries in the State.

The exercise, far from being ceremonial, was a deliberate and strategic step aimed at strengthening discipline, restoring public confidence, and reinforcing the foundational values that define the civil service.

Speaking at the event, the Head of Civil Service, Hajiya Falilat Yusuf Musa Esq., emphasised that the oath is rooted in the provisions of Rule No. 020209 of the Public Service Rules of Kogi State, which mandates every civil servant to formally commit to safeguarding official information and upholding the integrity of government. She noted that the administration of the oath at this time reflects the State Government’s resolve to close institutional loopholes and promote accountability across all levels of service.

The oath was administered by the Chief Magistrate of the Kogi State Judiciary, Adejoh Ben. O., alongside the Notary Public from the Ministry of Justice, Salamat Oziohu Madaki Esq., underscoring the legal and ethical weight attached to the exercise. In a solemn and unified moment, all Permanent Secretaries took the oath in unison, signalling their collective commitment to professionalism and responsible service delivery.

Hajiya Falilat Yusuf Musa Esq. highlighted the core values expected of civil servants, including political neutrality, anonymity, permanence, impartiality, discipline, confidentiality, accountability, professionalism, loyalty to lawful authority, and efficiency. She stressed that the oath is not a mere recitation of words, but a binding obligation that demands discretion, integrity, and unwavering loyalty to lawful authority. She further added that this exercise is for all civil servants and not limited to just the Permanent secretaries.

“The duty to protect official information is sacrosanct,” she stated. “Civil servants must ensure that government information is used strictly for lawful and authorised purposes. Any deviation from this principle undermines public trust and attracts disciplinary consequences.”
She further explained that the structure of the civil service is intentionally designed with a clear hierarchy to ensure order, efficiency, and accountability in communication and decision-making processes.

Addressing the issue of freedom of speech, the Head of Civil Service acknowledged that while the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999 as amended) guarantees the right to expression, civil servants must exercise this right within the bounds of established rules. She cautioned that unauthorised public commentary on official matters or actions capable of portraying government negatively without due process constitutes gross misconduct.

Reaffirming the commitment of the Kogi State Government under the leadership of His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, the Head of Civil Service noted that the administration remains focused on building a disciplined, efficient, and accountable public service that delivers tangible results for the people.

She also charged the Permanent Secretaries to align fully with the Governor’s 2026 Kogi Rebrand Initiatives by actively promoting government programmes and embracing digital transformation. According to her, this will enable the service to reimagine governance as a confluence of opportunities and bold prosperity.

The event concluded with a renewed call for all civil servants to recommit themselves to the ideals of the service, uphold its rules, and discharge their duties with the highest standards of professionalism,