JUST IN: FG Issue Major Threat After Staff Leaked Tinubu’s Sensitive Memo

The Federal Government, through the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, has initiated measures to prevent the leakage of sensitive official documents to the public.

Dr. Folashade Yemi-Esan, the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, emphasized the urgency of addressing the issue in a memo, dated February 19, 2024, posted on the Office’s website. The memo, tagged HCSF/3065/VI/189, highlighted the government’s embarrassment over the increasing incidents of document leaks and deemed them unacceptable.

Yemi-Esan’s memo stated, “It has been observed with dismay, the increase in the cases of leakage of sensitive official documents in Ministries, Departments and Agencies. This is very embarrassing to the government and therefore unacceptable.”

“To curb this undesirable development,” she continued, “all permanent secretaries are to fast-track the migration to the digitalized workflow system and ensure effective deployment of the Enterprise Content Management Solution. This will reduce physical contact with official documents, thereby checking the increasing incidence of leakage and circulation of the same.”

The memo also issued a stern warning to staff, stating, “Furthermore, permanent secretaries are advised to strongly warn all staff against leaking and circulating official information and documents. Any officer caught engaging in such unbecoming act will be severely dealt with in line with the relevant provisions of the Public Service Rules and other extant circulars.”

The leakage of sensitive government documents into the public domain has been on the rise recently, prompting concerns and demands for investigations from various quarters.

Notably, memos between President Bola Tinubu and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF George Akume concerning the allocation of allowances to members of the tripartite committee on minimum wage and subsidy for Hajj, and others allegedly originating from key government offices, have stirred public outrage and calls for scrutiny from Civil Society Organisations and organised labour.