By Victoria Onyisi
The Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (HoCSF) on Saturday gave Sahara Reporters, 24 hours to retract its publication alleging that N23 million was paid into its accounts by 92 applicants vying for the position of Permanent Secretaries in MDAs.
Debunking the allegation in a statement signed by the Director of Press at the Office, Mr. Mohammed Ahmed, he said the report is false, damaging and libelous.
He therefore urged the medium to put the records in proper perspective, as well as apologise within 24 hours to avoid legal action.
The statement reads: “The attention of the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) has been drawn to a frivolous allegation labeled against the person of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan, by your medium via an online news story published on 20th October, 2023 with the above misleading heading.
“The unfounded report alleged that the HoCSF compelled ninety-two (92) applicants participating in the ongoing selection process for the appointment of Federal Permanent Secretaries to pay the sum of N250,000 (Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) each for a one-week training programme commencing from 23rd to 28th October, 2023 at the Public Service Institute of Nigeria (PSIN).
“The Office of the HoS, said it is imperative to state here that the course fee of (N250,000) was not determined by the OHCSF nor is it paid into the Office‘s account.”
Accordingly, it added that training and retraining of Civil Servants is the core mandate of the Public Service Institute of Nigeria (PSIN) and the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON).
According to him, such monies are paid directly into the aforementioned training institutions’ NUBAN account, which is linked to the Federal Government’s Treasury Single Account (TSA).
“It may also interest Sahara Reporters to know that the said training is the fifth in the series since its inception and, most importantly, it is optional. As such, it is the prerogative of the prospective candidate to pay and participate or not. It is aimed at refreshening, as well as sharpening their skills and competencies. There is no penalty for non-participation.
“For the avoidance of doubt and the records, the process for the selection of Federal Permanent Secretaries is segmented, rigorous and transparent.
“The medium is advised to come for tutelage on the process and posting of Permanent Secretaries rather than relying on allegations and misinformation. This is highly unethical, to say the least.” The statement added.
According to Ahmed, Sahara Reporters did not do its due diligence before this publication, adding that the publication was written with the sole aim of misinforming the general public for reasons best known to them.