Diri charges new perm secs on integrity, accountability

The Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has charged new permanent secretaries in the state to perform their duties with the utmost integrity and accountability in whichever ministries they are assigned.

Diri gave the charge on Tuesday during the swearing-in of 15 new permanent secretaries inside the Executive Council Chambers of Government House in Yenagoa, the state capital.

He congratulated them on reaching the apex of their career and stressed that their ability to perform effectively is crucial to the seamless functioning of government.

The governor also charged them with establishing high standards of professionalism and ethics in order to ensure that their actions would reflect their aspirations and the values of the people.

He said, “Be innovative in your approach to finding solutions. True leadership lies not just in the decisions that will be made by the commissioner and all other decision-making bodies but, more importantly, the implementation of those decisions, and you are at the helm of affairs.”

Diri expressed confidence in the new permanent secretaries to embrace the challenge of delivering excellence in the civil service and implored them to foster teamwork and maintain open lines of communication, particularly with the staff of their ministries.

He disclosed that there was pressure on him and his deputy from within and outside the state during the selection of the permanent secretaries but in line with the policy of government, he decided to restore the glory of the public service by following the due process.

Diri said their selection was based on merit and other criteria, which included a written test organised by the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria.

Those sworn in are Anengimo Loveday, Claude Gogo, Agnes Oloye, Kemedei Doubra, Raymond Angaye, Omubo Diepreye, Stanley Sokari and Okrinya Samsiso.

Others are Peremoboere Soroh, Poweide Otrofaniowei, Dr Hamilton Ekeke, Ayabowei Enemo, Jonjon Samuel, Mrs Apulu Iyabosa and Mrs Payeboye Lukoh.