Chief Dr. Habibat Oyiza Tijjani Onumoko FCNA FCTI, FHCD, IYE EBULE ANKPA is widely recognized as a straightforward, principled, and disciplined public servant whose career has been defined by integrity, diligence, and strict adherence to due process. From the very beginning of her professional journey, she distinguished herself as a woman of virtue who believes strongly in hard work, accountability, and transparency. She began her career in Okene Local Government Area of Kogi State, serving as a Check Officer. Through dedication and competence, she rose to become Treasurer of the Local Government. She did not jump ranks or bypass protocols. She followed the structured progression of the civil service with patience and excellence. Her competence earned her the role of Coordinator of all the 21 Local Governments Treasurers in Kogi State. She later became Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and also served as Acting Commissioner before her eventual appointment as Accountant General of Kogi State.
Throughout every stage of her journey, one thing has remained constant: her principles. She does not tolerate dishonesty, condone indiscipline, or encourage laziness. She respects hard work, no matter how small the effort may appear. She supports individuals based on merit and productivity, not based on status, background, or physical condition. Her leadership style has always reflected fairness, firmness, and inclusiveness.
ON THE ISSUE OF “CHANGE” AND POLITICAL ENGAGEMENT
It has been alleged in some quarters that her involvement in political processes has changed her character. This assertion is not only inaccurate but reveals a misunderstanding of who she has always been. Chief Dr. Onumoko has never deviated from her principles, not as a young woman, not as a civil servant, and not now. Political engagement did not create her character, and it certainly has not destroyed it. If anything, leadership responsibilities have only magnified the discipline she has always carried. Those who truly know her history understand this clearly.
In Kogi State today, grassroots support cannot be manufactured by force. No public officer or political actor can successfully mobilize genuine, voluntary support without trust and credibility. The goodwill she enjoys among many people is a product of long-standing relationships, accessibility, and consistent engagement, not coercion. Her outreach through various platforms has strengthened public confidence, not just in her office, but in the government she serves. Goodwill earned over decades cannot be erased by loud criticism. Criticism is welcome in a democratic society, but criticism must be informed, balanced, and factual. As rightly stated: he who comes to equity must come with clean hands.
RESPONSE TO THE RECENT WARNING ISSUED BY Yakubu Richman
An Ebira son in the diaspora, Yakubu Richman, recently issued what he described as “advice mixed with warning.” His concerns center around individuals he refers to as “her boys,” alleging that their online conduct disrespects others and may damage her reputation.
First, it must be clearly stated: Chief Dr. Habibat Oyiza Tijjani does not sponsor disrespect, endorse reckless speech, operate through intimidation, or promote online hostility. Supporters, wherever they may be, act on personal conviction. No public official can micromanage every individual who claims affiliation, especially in an era of uncontrolled social media activity. Carrying someone’s picture or using their name does not automatically translate into authorization or coordination.
However, beyond the warning he issued, there are also legitimate questions that deserve reflection. In several of his videos, he has repeatedly stated that he is not a beggar and is not being sponsored. Yet concerns have been raised about the millions of naira reportedly being demanded from private individuals through his social media platforms a practice he refers to as “Shahat.” While terminology may differ, the principle remains the same: financial demands made publicly invite scrutiny. Transparency must apply to everyone in the public space, whether in office or outside it.
Furthermore, it is important to emphasize that no good sons and daughters of Ebira land should declare that no one is above them in matters of respect or use social media as a platform to insult prominent traditional rulers, political leaders, and respected personalities simply because Facebook provides open access. Freedom of expression is not freedom from responsibility. One may criticize, but criticism must not degenerate into habitual insult.
This is not to label anyone with derogatory terms, but when conduct consistently reflects disregard for elders, institutions, and decorum, it raises serious concerns about character and judgment. What we do not know is always ahead of us; tomorrow remains unknown. Wisdom demands caution, humility, and restraint especially in public life.
That said, warnings framed with threats of “power,” “heavy secrets,” or shaking “the whole world” do not strengthen dialogue. They create unnecessary tension. Constructive engagement does not require intimidation. If there are grievances, the appropriate path remains private dialogue, factual clarification, and lawful channels not public ultimatums.
Chief Dr. Onumoko’s record shows that she has never relied on fear to lead. Her strength has always come from structure, discipline, and institutional responsibility, not from secret leverage or online warfare. It is also important to separate personal relationships from public governance. Private agreements, past political support, or previous collaborations do not equate to ownership, control, or entitlement over a public office holder.
A CALL FOR MATURE ENGAGEMENT
Public service demands thick skin, patience, and maturity. No individual supporter or critic should turn political differences into personal threats. No supporter should speak recklessly in the name of loyalty. No critic should escalate disagreements into intimidation.
Chief Dr. Habibat Oyiza Tijjani Onumoko remains who she has always been: principled, firm, and guided by due process. Character is not defined by noise. Reputation is not built by fear. Integrity is not shaken by warnings. Her life and career stand as testimony that position does not create character, it reveals it. And from her earliest days in service to her present office as Accountant General of Kogi State, the revelation has been consistent: discipline, structure, and principle. Those who know her from the beginning understand this. Those who do not are encouraged to seek full facts before forming conclusions.
In public life, disagreements may arise. But dignity must remain.
Comr Yakubu Nazir Abdulhakeem (Brain Not Legs)
