The Head of Service of the Federation, Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan, has issued a warning to top civil service officials against leaking official documents. Interestingly, the circular conveying the warning was also leaked to the media.
The circular, identified as HCSF/109/S.1/120 and dated May 22, 2020, emphasized the embarrassment caused to the government by the unauthorized release of official documents and threatened dismissal for individuals engaged in this misconduct.
Titled “Unauthorized circulation of official documents/information on social media,” the circular strongly condemned the illegal dissemination of minuted documents, deeming it as unfortunate.
“The recent unfortunate unauthorized disclosure of official documents on social media has been brought to the attention of the Office of the Head of Service of the Federation. This irresponsible and reckless action constitutes serious misconduct and is punishable by dismissal from service, as outlined in Public Service Rules Nos. 030401 and 030402. The government finds this development embarrassing and, therefore, unacceptable. Any officer caught engaging in such serious misconduct will be duly dealt with in accordance with the provisions of the Public Service Rules. Permanent Secretaries are instructed to apprise their staff of the contents of the circular and the consequences of violating the rules,”
the circular stated.
According to The Tribune, the recipients of the circular included the Chief of Staff to the President, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Office of the Vice President, Ministers, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Permanent Secretaries, and Service Chiefs/Inspector-General of Police.
Other recipients comprised the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Chairmen of various commissions, and Directors-General and Chief Executives of Parastatals/Agencies.