Kogi state government investigation has revealed that the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Usman Ibrahim wrote the controversial memo introducing levy on every loaf of bread produced in the state without approval from the Commissioner.
In a query dated November 17, 2020 and signed by the Head of Service, Deborah Ogunmola, the embattled permanent secretary was given 24 hours to explain why disciplinary action should not be taken against him.
The Head of Service lamented that the controversial memo introducing a consultant to levy bakers in the state has caused the government much embarassment.
The query title ‘RE: Introduction of MUSAG Enterprises as Consulting Company and Levies on Bread to All Bakers and Caterers Doing Business in and Acros Kogi State – Query’ reads:
“You may wish to recall the attached letter, dated 8th November, 2020, signed by you and addressed to the Chairman, Association of Master Bakers and Caterers of Nigeria (AMBCN), Kogi State Branch, Lokoja, on the above subject matter.
“You may also recall that I called you to my office in the morning of 16th November, 2020 after my attention was drawn to same by an official of government, the aim of which was to confirm the truth from you. You vehemently denied having anything to do with the viral letter, which has brought so much embarrassment to the government of Kogi State.
“Investigation has revealed that you acted without obtaining the approval of the Honourable Commissioner in your Ministry as you could not provide any file where it was approved for you to disseminate such information. Your action is clearly ultra vires of the Public Service Rules, Section 4 – 030402(1), (N) and (O) which may lead to your dismissal from the service.
“This act of serious misconduct is unbecoming of an officer of your calibre who is expected to be above board in conduct and in performance of your duties.
“In view of the above, you are hereby directed to give your response, within 24 hours of the receipt of this query with a view to exculpating yourself, why disciplinary action should not be taken against you for this act of gross misconduct, please.”
