SUICIDE - Kogi Govt cofirms late director was last paid in December, 2016

The Kogi State Government says Mr . Edward Soje , the late director who recently committed suicide after his wife gave birth to triplets , was last paid salary in December 2016 .

The government, however , dispelled rumours that Soje took his life because he was being owed salaries.
The Kogi State Head of Service , Deborah Ogunmola , in a statement on Sunday urged the media to be responsible in its reportage as there was no evidence that he committed suicide because he was being owed salaries.
Ogunmola , who claimed to be related to Soje ’ s wife, said his salaries were delayed because of age falsification .
She said despite being indicted , the state government was merciful enough not to dismiss him even after he had confessed on video .
The head of service further stated that it was unlikely that Soje killed himself over unpaid salary because he had been listed among those who would receive six months arrears .
The statement read in part , “ The Kogi State Government is saddened in no small measure by the alleged suicide of Mr . Edward Soje , a level 16 officer and director in the Kogi State Civil Service . He was attached to the Teaching Service Commission.
“ I am appalled by the media reports on Edward Soje ’ s death and the certainty by the media that he committed suicide and that he did it due to non - payment of his salaries by his employer , the Kogi State Government.
“ For the records , these are the facts surrounding Mr . Soje ’ s employment with the Kogi State Government: He continued to receive his salaries till December , 2016 even while the Staff Screening and Verification Exercise was ongoing .
“ His pay was stopped after proof emerged that he falsified his age records . His confession to the offence is on video .
“ Following engagements with Labour which spanned several months , the Kogi State Governor magnanimously commuted the disciplinary action due against certain categories of offenders by grant of pardon . Mr . Soje fell into one of the categories .
“ Pardoned staff were processed for reinstatement and payment in batches . Mr . Soje was in the September 2017 batch and he was aware of this fact .
“ The Kogi State Teaching Service Commission where he works has forwarded a template for payment to Government and Mr . Soje was aware that he was listed to receive six months back pay , leaving only two months (August and September ) outstanding .
“ Edward Soje was not just my staff; he was also married to my sister - in - law . His death is shocking , both as one related to him in some way , and one responsible for him in an official capacity . ”
The head of service said she met with the deceased a few days before his demise and the attempts being made to resolve his salary issue .
She said there was no hint of this horrible decision in his demeanour neither did he appear as one who was depressed , let alone contemplating suicide .
While condoling with the family , Ogunmola urged the media to always verify facts before going to press .