Governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Alia has sworn in 13 new permanent secretaries into the state civil service.
Gatekeepers News reports that the Governor inaugurated the permanent secretaries at Government House, Makurdi, on Tuesday
Alia advised the appointees not to be partisan in the discharge of their duties, and brace up for the responsibilities ahead of them.
The Governor also advised the permanent secretaries to ensure that staff working under them adhere strictly to the Civil Service code of conduct.
He charged them to have respect for constituted authorities and make the respect for constituted authorities the watchword among their staff, stressing that anyone found culpable of any form of misconduct would have the appropriate sanctions meted out to them.
Meanwhile, Ver Ingyato, the Aide De Camp (ADC) to Governor Hyacinth Alia was decorated with a new rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) from his previous rank of Superintendent of Police (SP).
He said, “These Permanent secretaries are men and women our administration could vouch for because of their antecedents. I like to once again emphasize that these appointments are not mere political patronage but reward for hard work.”
“I wish to therefore, urge you to brace up for the responsibilities ahead of you. As the Administrative Heads of the Ministries, you must ensure that Staff adhere to the codes of the Civil Service. Discipline and respect for constituted authorities should be the watchword among your staff.”
“You must avoid partisan politics and conduct yourselves as responsive and responsible Officers who are duty bound to implement policies and programmes of the administration in line with its seven point agenda.”
“Be advised that anyone of you found culpable of any form of misconduct or anything capable of tarnishing the image of this government would be made to face appropriate sanctions. Our eyes would be placed on you not to police you but ensure that you do the right things all the time.”
The Governor further appreciated the civil servants who were acting in that capacity before the fresh appointments.
He added, “Throughout the period they held fort, we did not receive news of misconduct or attempt to shortchange the system by anyone of them.”
“For those who acted as covering permanent secretaries and were now confirmed through these appointments, we express our sincere happiness to you for the well deserved elevation. This only confirms that, there is reward for hard work and resilience, and when it is time, recognition comes with ease.”
“As a government, we took our time to search carefully and conducted due diligence to arrive at these thirteen officers. We also consulted widely to ensure that their appointments were based on merit. In deed, they are civil servants with cognate experience, proven integrity and exemplary track record of service.”
Addressing the appointees, he said, “ “We have allowed you to be trained by the Benue State Public Service Institute to be equipped with the rudimentary Civil Service rules and functions that could help you to excel.”
“On our part, we assure you of the government’s support. As you settle down to discharge your duties, do so quickly and with the fear of God. Do everything possible to justify the confidence we have reposed in you.”
“Let me end this address with the thirtieth American President Calvin Coolidge’s that “Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education alone will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. persistence and determination alone are supreme.”
“What this suggests is that, persistence and determination are key to everyone’s success. Be guided by the former US President’s philosophy to succeed in your given assignments.”
Speaking on behalf of the permanent secretaries, Bartholomew Ageraga, pledged that they would do their best to deliver on their mandate, saying that they would remain accountable.
He appealed to their friends and associates not to pressure them into taking action that would find them wanting in the discharge of their duties.
