Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State on Monday warned the newly appointed Head of Civil Service and 14 Permanent Secretaries in the state not to engage in self-aggrandizement, enrichment or pursuance of their parochial interests but see their appointment as an opportunity to serve the state.
He equally warned them against promoting “ethnicity, religion or politicising the civil service”, adding that doing so will not be tolerated.
The Governor also urged the appointees to shun “corruption and compromise”, which can stifle the system and deny the citizenry the dividends of democracy.
Lalong gave the warnings while swearing-in the appointees at the Government House in Jos, the State Capital.
He said “By this appointment, you are now the cream of the civil service and the custodians of its rich history and traditions. You are to set examples for those under you to follow.
“As such, you need to uphold the civil service rules that guide policy formulation, implementation, and strategies as well as the conduct of government employees.
Lalong said having been in the civil service system in the past six years, the newly appointed officials must have been acquainted with the vision of the present administration’s and its 3-point policy framework which has been driving the progress of the state.
“Our administration has broadly been pursuing the restoration of peace, security and good governance; developing abandoned and new infrastructure; as well as charting a path for sustainable economic rebirth”, he explained.
“As we consolidate on the progress we have attained in the past six years, the administration expects you to galvanise the entire workforce and ensure that we complete the implementation of our programs and projects.
“Let me emphasize that the civil service is the driver of all government policies. You must therefore be on your toes in translating policies to action”, he maintained.
“Apart from demonstrating absolute loyalty to the government and the State, you must put in your best to see to the actualization of the 5-year strategic plan which is currently being implemented.
“Those of you who have not studied that document should get acquainted with it immediately”, he admonished.
“I expect you to be above board in your conduct to assert yourselves and earn the confidence of those under you. You must play strategic roles as mentors and leaders and be able to punish indolence and reward excellence and loyalty.
“I will also be watching you closely to ensure that you do not only supervise those under you but will not hesitate to sanction any of you who fails to deliver his or her duties as expected.
The Governor assured civil servants in the state of his administration’s commitment to prioritising their welfare and well-being.
“Just like we have been consistent in the payment of salaries and other entitlements including the new minimum wage, we shall ensure that our workers are trained and retrained for better efficiency”, he stressed
