by crossriverwatch admin
Cross River State Governor, Senator Liyel Imoke yesterday swore in 14 Permanent Secretaries. Of the 14 newly appointed Permanent Secretaries, four are women.
Performing the ceremony at the state Council Chambers, Calabar, the state capital, Imoke charged the new permanent secretaries to remain firm on his administration’s policy thrust as well as that of the state, warning them never to succumb to any pressure not to do the right thing at all times.
The governor maintained that as permanent secretaries, they must be responsible and imbibe the policy of the government which is commitment to service, accountability, probity, justice and equity.
Governor Imoke urged them to be above board, while bearing in mind that there is high expectation from them, while ensuring that they bring the public service in Cross River to the high standard the state is noted for.
“This is an opportunity to reinforce our commitment to the people of Cross River and consolidate our programs and initiatives to better the needs of the people we serve, make a difference in the people’s well-being, and render optimum service to humanity,” Gov. Imoke emphasized.
While reminding the permanent secretaries that the success and failures of Ministries, Departments and Agencies lay solely on them, the governor urged them to remain committed and work hand in hand with their Commissioners and Special Advisers as this was the only way they could succeed and do well.
Imoke noted that the appointment of the new permanent secretaries was the outcome of a very rigorous process which was based on merit as part of the strategy to consolidate on his administration’s service delivery. According to him, “Of the 14 of you, not a single one to my knowledge, lobbied to be a permanent secretary and none of you ever knew you would be made a permanent secretary.”
He admonished them to “understand the state government’s emphasis on prudence, transparency, accountability to management of resources, enforcement of the contents of the public service rules and its compliance, adding that only these would ensure that Cross River State stands on a civil service that is in tune with acceptable standards.
“It is important that you are remembered as permanent secretary who instilled discipline and optimum service instead of to be remembered as a one-time permanent secretary.”
Earlier, the secretary to the state government, Mr. Mike Aniah said there was urgent need to fill the vacuum created with the retirement of permanent secretaries in the state civil service, hence the governor appointed 14 permanent secretaries on December 31, 2013, after a careful selection based on merit.
Aniah explained that as permanent secretaries, the implementation of programs of the final lap of the tenure of the present administration lie on their shoulders.
Responding on behalf of the new permanent secretaries, Dr. John Osang Odock, said although it was difficult to find merit in the public service, they would not fail the people of the state in service delivery. “We shall stand firm morally and otherwise,” he said.
Dr. Odock assured that the confidence reposed in them would not go in vain, even as he prayed to God to enable them succeed.
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