Lagos State lawmaker and actor-turned-politician Desmond Elliot has alleged that some local government workers were dismissed because they supported him politically during an election period, a claim that has stirred fresh debate over political victimisation and loyalty tests within public service structures.
According to Elliot, the affected workers were identified and subsequently removed from their positions after it was discovered that they openly backed his candidacy. He described the situation as deeply troubling, arguing that civil servants should not be subjected to punishment for exercising their democratic rights or expressing personal political preferences, especially in a system that guarantees freedom of association.
The lawmaker further explained that the dismissals, as he understood them, were not based on performance issues or disciplinary concerns, but rather on perceived political alignment. This, he suggested, raises serious questions about fairness, governance practices, and the extent to which political interests may be influencing administrative decisions at the local government level.
The allegation has sparked reactions from different quarters, with some observers calling for a thorough investigation into the matter. They argue that if proven true, such actions could undermine trust in public institutions and discourage civic participation among government workers who may fear retaliation for their political choices.
However, there has also been caution from others who insist that the full facts must be established before conclusions are drawn. They note that employment in the public sector is governed by rules and procedures, and any dismissal would typically follow due process, including disciplinary review or administrative approval.
Elliot maintained that his concern is not about personal grievance but about protecting democratic values and ensuring that workers are not punished for political expression. He emphasized that Nigeria’s democracy must be strengthened by upholding fairness, transparency, and respect for individual rights within both political and administrative systems.
The issue continues to generate discussion, particularly on social media, where users are divided between those condemning the alleged dismissals and those calling for restraint until official statements are released by the relevant local government authorities.
As of now, no formal response has been issued by the affected local government councils, and the situation remains under public scrutiny as stakeholders await further clarification.
