Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has warned permanent secretaries in the state civil service not to allow commissioners in the ministries to lure them into fraudulent activities.
Governor Oborevwori who stated this in Asaba at the swearing in ceremony of eleven newly appointed permanent secretaries, said they would be held responsible for any lapses in their various ministries
The governor urged the permanent secretaries not to allow commissioners to mislead them but should at all times, guide them by telling them the truth.
Oborevwori stated further, ” Let me make it abundantly clear that permanent secretaries as the accounting officers in ministries, will be held responsible for lapses in service delivery,
“It is therefore imperative that you work closely with the commissioners who are the chief executives of ministries by providing sound advice, institutional support, and guidance to ensure smooth administration and effective implementation of government”
Continuing, Governor Oborevwori cautioned the permanent secretaries not to involve themselves in fraud that will consume them. “Don’t put your hands in something that will consume you. The commissioners may travel overseas on completion of their tenure but you as permanent secretaries, your work is permanent. When a fraud is committed, you will be the first person that will be arrested by anti- graft agency.”
The Delta State Governor stressed the need for public servants to carry out their duties in line with his administration’s development agenda for the greater good of all Deltans and residents of the state.
The governor described the appointment of the permanent secretaries as a reward for years of hard work, perseverance, sacrifice, and dedication to duty.
He, however, cautioned them against seeing the appointments as a point of arrival, stressing that the new responsibilities demand greater accountability, leadership, and commitment to service delivery.
“The reward for hard work is more work,” he said, urging them to continue to exhibit discipline, integrity, dynamism, and dedication in the discharge of their duties.
He announced a new policy direction stipulating that any officer to be appointed as Head of Service must have spent a minimum of six months in the Office of the Head of Service as a Permanent Secretary.
According to him, the policy is aimed at ensuring proper understanding of administrative procedures, processes, and human resource management within the state civil service.
In a remark, one of the newly sworn in permanent secretaries, Doctor Paul Yinkore thanked the governor for finding them worthy of the appointment, and affirmed their commitment to supporting the administration’s Renewed Hope for More Agenda.
By: Sam Erhunmwunsee, Radio Nigeria Asaba
