By Obinna Uballa
There is a trending video online over a shocking drama at the Federal Ministry of Finance, Abuja, where staff staged a protest against the ministry’s retiring Director of Finance, Bala Sale, booing and chanting him out of office after he allegedly refused to vacate upon expiration of his tenure.
Indeed, viral videos from the scene show workers carrying placards and chanting slogans such as “Bala Must Go!” and “Ole!” as they accompanied the embattled official out of the ministry’s premises.
The protest, which The New Diplomat gathered occurred around the weekend, disrupted normal activities at the ministry’s headquarters.
Sources reveal that the crisis was triggered by what staff described as years of mismanagement and poor handling of financial matters under Sale’s watch. Some employees accused him of ignoring staff welfare and eroding trust in the leadership of the finance department.
“We can’t continue to suffer while resources are mismanaged. Enough is enough,” one protesting worker told reporters.
Sources said Sale had initially resisted leaving office at the end of his tenure, but mounting pressure from staff left him with no choice but to bow out. He was eventually escorted out to chants and jeers, with staff describing the send-off as a “befitting” one for a leader who they claimed failed to prioritise workers’ interests.
In an apparent reference to the incident, some staff warned public officials to remember that “public office is temporary” and to treat people with respect in order to avoid a disgraceful exit.
The Ministry of Finance did not issue an official statement on the protest, neither did it address the allegations raised by its staff.
Observers noted that the incident reflects growing impatience among Nigerian workers over perceived impunity and lack of accountability in public service.
