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The Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) has issued a stern warning to Sahara Reporters, a popular online news medium, demanding a retraction of a false and damaging report about the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan.
In a letter signed by M. A. Ahmed, Director of Communications at the OHCSF, Sahara Reporters has been given 24 hours to retract the report or face legal consequences.
The report published by Sahara Reporters alleged that Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan extorted the sum of N23million from 92 applicants vying for the position of Permanent Secretaries and planned to manipulate their postings to ministries.
However, the OHCSF in its letter, titled “Re: How Nigeria’s Head of the Civil Service of the Federation Extorted N23million From 92 Applicants Vying for Post Of Permanent Secretaries, Planned To Manipulate Posting To Ministries,” vehemently denied these allegations.
According to the OHCSF, the report is frivolous and misleading. It clarifies that the course fee was not determined by their office and is directly paid to the Public Service Institute of Nigeria (PSIN), which is responsible for training and retraining civil servants.
The training program in question, which is optional, is aimed at refreshing and sharpening the skills and competencies of prospective candidates for the position of Permanent Secretaries. Non-participation in the training incurs no penalties.
The OHCSF emphasizes that the selection process for Federal Permanent Secretaries is segmented, rigorous, and transparent. The office advises Sahara Reporters to seek appropriate information on the process and posting of Permanent Secretaries rather than relying on baseless allegations and misinformation. The issuance of this report is seen as highly unethical by the OHCSF, and due diligence is believed to have been overlooked before its publication.
In light of the facts outlined, Sahara Reporters has been given a 24-hour ultimatum to retract the false report, provide an accurate perspective, and extend an apology. Failure to comply with these demands may result in legal action.
This development has sparked a flurry of speculation and debate, with people eagerly awaiting Sahara Reporters’ response. The reputation of the online news medium is at stake, and the OHCSF awaits the retraction and apology to uphold the integrity of Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan and the entire Civil Service of the Federation.