Presidency Calls for Probe into Civil Service to Root Out Leaks

The Presidency has initiated an inquiry into the civil service structure to identify and remove individuals described as "moles" who are suspected of being loyal to opposition parties and leaking classified documents to them.

Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, made the call for the investigation following the exposure of an internal memo. The memo purportedly indicated that President Tinubu had authorized the release of N500 million out of a total of N1 billion to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume. The allocated funds were intended for the inauguration of a 37-member Tripartite Committee tasked with deliberating on the New National Minimum Wage.

In response, the PDP issued a statement demanding an investigation into the disbursement of the funds.

Speaking to Punch in an interview, Onanuga emphasized the need for the Federal Government to take action to identify and remove individuals leaking classified documents, suspected to have allegiance to opposition parties. He stressed that such action is essential to safeguarding sensitive information and maintaining security.

Onanuga expressed concern over the leakage of memos, including one from the SGF to the President bearing the President's signature. He pointed out that leaks like these indicate the presence of "fifth columnists" within the government. Onanuga cited previous instances of memo leaks, such as one concerning the President's expenses during his attendance at the UNGA. He emphasized the importance of upholding civil service rules for handling official secrets and urged the government to investigate how memos between officials are being leaked to the public.

"Memos that are supposed to be secret are not supposed to be flying all over the place," Onanuga concluded.