A permanent secretary in Benue State’s civil service, Agbo Ochekpe, has resigned after issuing an introductory letter without following due process. The letter, addressed to a family member who had secured admission to the University of Kinshasa in Congo, was reportedly issued without consulting the relevant authorities, leading to the official’s resignation.

The State Head of Service (HoS), Agbogbo Ode, clarified that the resignation was voluntary and not connected to allegations of corruption. Ode described the incident as a result of “pure ignorance” and emphasized that Ochekpe, who worked in the Ministry of Education and Knowledge Management, was known for his dedication to duty.

“The Permanent Secretary admitted the error, apologized, and took full responsibility for his actions,” Ode stated, adding that rumors of Ochekpe being sacked were false.

Ode explained that a pastor from Gboko had introduced a family to the permanent secretary, requesting a letter of introduction to assist a relative’s admission process abroad. Ochekpe, in issuing the letter, bypassed the necessary approval channels, which led to the oversight.

In addition to the permanent secretary’s resignation, Ode announced further disciplinary actions within the state civil service. A Director of Planning and Research in the Ministry of Rural Development and Cooperatives has been indefinitely suspended in connection with a missing transformer. The HoS, however, noted that the ministry’s permanent secretary had been cleared of any involvement in the incident, following an investigation.

Ode also revealed that four other senior civil servants have been suspended over allegations of vandalizing a transformer at the state secretariat. He reiterated the Benue State government’s zero tolerance for misconduct, warning that any form of indiscipline would not be condoned.

“The state government is committed to ensuring that all public servants adhere to the highest standards of professionalism and accountability,” Ode added.

The resignation and suspensions serve as a reminder of the importance of strict adherence to due process in the civil service, with the state government sending a clear message on the consequences of procedural lapses.