Leak Official Documents And Get Sacked – FG Goes Tough On Workers

The Federal Government has lamented the recent spike in cases of leakage of official documents on social media and has taken steps to curb the trend.

The government which described the recent trend as ‘unfortunate’ added that leaking official documents was embarrassing and unacceptable while officials caught in such acts will be dismissed.

The warning was contained in a circular marked HCSF/109/S.1/120 with the title, ‘Unauthorised circulation of official documents/information on social media,’ which was issued by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr Folasade Yemi-Esan.

Naija News reports the circular is coming in the wake of the embarrassment caused by the leakage of the text of the April 28 COVID-19 nationwide broadcast of President Muhammadu Buhari to Nigerians.

The statement leaked to the public on social media platform ahead of the 8pm broadcast time, though presidential media aides later disclosed it wasn’t the final copy that leaked and the mole has been identified as well.

The circular by Yemi-Esan however, described the leaking of official documents as “an act of serious misconduct” which attracts dismissal as contained in the Public Service Rules.

The circular read, “The attention of the Office of the Head of Service of the Federation has been drawn to the recent unfortunate unauthorised disclosure of official documents on the social media.

“In some cases, official documents that have been minuted on are also leaked. This irresponsible and reckless action is an act of serious misconduct with a penalty of dismissal from service as provided for in Public Service Rules Nos. 030401 and 030402.

“The ugly development is embarrassing to government and therefore not acceptable. Any public officer caught engaging in this act of serious misconduct will be severely dealt with in accordance with the provisions of the Public Service Rules.

“Permanent secretaries are to draw the attention of all their staff to the content of this circular and the consequences of breaking the rules.”