SAN FRANCISCO, May 26, (THEWILL) – The Federal Government has vowed to sack officers caught leaking official documents on social media saying recent “unfortunate unauthorised disclosure of official documents on social media” was embarrassing and therefore unacceptable.
The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr Folasade Yemi-Esan, made this known in a circular marked HCSF/109/S.1/120 with the title, ‘Unauthorised circulation of official documents/information on social media.’
THEWILL recalls that the text of the April 28 nationwide broadcast of President Muhammadu Buhari on measures being taken to curtail the spread of COVID-19 was leaked on social media platforms some hours ahead of the 8pm broadcast time.
Yemi-Esan, in the May 22 circular, however, described 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.”
The circular was addressed to the Chief of Staff to the President; Deputy Chief of Staff to President, Office of the Vice President; all ministers; Secretary to the Government of the Federation; all permanent secretaries; service chiefs/lnspector-General of Police and many others.
