Insubordination in public service is a serious misconduct.

F.J.S.C. v. Thomas [2013] 17 NWLR (Pt. 1384) 503 at 538, para F, per Nwodo, JCA:

“Insubordination or disobedience of formal instruction from established authority remains insubordination which is an act of misconduct.”

Notes:

In public service, acts of insubordination has grave consequences. According to Nwodo, JCA, “Insubordination by a staff even in respect of one allegation is sufficient to attract a dismissal or retirement.” It must be stated that insubordination that is capable of strict punishment must be associated with formal and legitimate instructions. Otherwise, a public servant has a greater duty to the nation, pursuant to the relevant civil service code, to be law abiding always.