HoS rejects claims of sycophancy among civil servants
By Innocent Raphael
The Head of Service of the Federation, Dr Folashade Yemi-Esan, has emphatically rejected the characterization of civil servants as sycophants.
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday as part of the events for the 2024 Civil Service Week, Dr Yemi-Esan clarified that while civil servants are duty-bound to serve any government in power, this does not equate to sycophancy.
“I completely disagree with the notion that civil servants are sycophants. We serve any government in power, but that does not mean we are sycophantic,” she stated.
Dr. Yemi-Esan emphasized that true professionals in the civil service know their responsibilities and perform them with confidence, not flattery.
“Anyone who knows their job cannot be a sycophant. Sycophancy arises from a lack of understanding or confidence in one’s duties,” she explained.
She highlighted ongoing efforts to instil courage and confidence among civil servants, ensuring they can perform their duties without resorting to obsequious behaviour.
“We are empowering civil servants at all levels to carry out their responsibilities with assurance. They are not subservient to anyone. Don’t call us sycophants. We strongly reject that label,” Dr. Yemi-Esan asserted.
