‘Respect Civil Servants’ — Govt Responds to Sarkinmota’s Viral Mercedes AI Skit
The Federal Government has officially reprimanded Abuja-based automobile dealer, popularly known as Alamin Sarkinmota, over a recent promotional video in which he taunted Nigerian civil servants about their inability to afford luxury cars.
In a letter dated Monday and signed by the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Lanre Issa-Onilu, the agency expressed displeasure with a viral video promoting a Mercedes Benz 2023 C300 equipped with Artificial Intelligence features. In the skit, Sarkinmota asks, “Can civil servants afford you?” to which the AI responds, “No! Maybe in 2062.”
The NOA condemned the tone of the video, saying, “At a time when Nigerians face significant social pressures and materialism often overshadows the dignity of labor and core values, it is inappropriate to speak condescendingly about civil servants.”
The letter emphasized the crucial role civil servants play in Nigeria’s governance and economic development, stating, “Civil servants across various sectors work tirelessly to create an enabling environment where businesses like yours can thrive. To disparage them is indecent.”
The agency warned Sarkinmota to exercise caution in his choice of words when promoting his vehicles, urging respect for all segments of Nigerian society.
“We are responding due to widespread public concern following your video,” the statement read. “Please take note and help us build a resilient Nigeria where dignity of labor is valued over material wealth.”
Alamin Sarkinmota is well-known in Abuja for his provocative adverts, often mocking civil servants for their inability to afford luxury cars sold in the Federal Capital Territory.
