The ghost employee scandal is once again shaking the public service, highlighting the fraudulent practices that plague certain administrations. At the awards ceremony organized by the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation to commemorate Civil Service Week 2024, the President gave strong instructions to punish the culprits and those who covered them up.
Represented by Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the President expressed dismay at the behavior of the ghost employees. He stressed the need for strict measures to hold those responsible for their wrongdoing.
The President insisted on the fact that the fraudsters will not only have to repay the embezzled sums, but that their superiors will also have to be sanctioned for complicity. He also promised that the government would take necessary measures to ensure that justice was done and the money was returned to the public treasury.
Recognizing the challenges facing the civil service, the President reaffirmed his commitment to overcoming them for optimal performance. He stressed the importance of ensuring the welfare and development of all public servants for the progress of the nation.
The awards ceremony was marked by the presentation of three grand prizes to the lucky winners and cash rewards for 40 deserving workers. Dr Folasade Yemi-Esan, Head of Civil Service of the Federation, announced the spectacular awards presented at the event, highlighting the importance of recognizing and rewarding the hard work of employees.
This ghost employee scandal is a stark reminder of the need for transparent and accountable governance within the public service. It highlights the critical importance of oversight and accountability in a key sector of society. It is up to the authorities to take firm measures to crack down on these fraudulent practices and restore public confidence in the system.