Bayelsa Takes Potential Perm Secs Through Written Test Before Appointment
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In an ostensible move to avoid bringing unqualified civil servants on board as permanent secretaries in the state civil service, the Bayelsa State government has decided to put top civil servants through a written test before they can be elevated to the position.
No fewer than 15 of such civil servants who were appointed after they had scaled through the written test organized by the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON), were inaugurated on Tuesday by the governor, Senator Douye Diri.
They include Anengimo Loveday, Claude Gogo, Agnes Oloye, Kemedei Doubra, Raymond Angaye, Omubo Diepreye, Stanley Sokari and Okrinya Samsiso.
The others are Peremoboere Soroh, Poweide Otrofaniowei, Dr Hamilton Ekeke, Ayabowei Enemo, Jonjon Samuel, Mrs Apulu Iyabosa and Mrs Payeboye Lukoh.
While swearing them in, the governor charged them to perform their duties with utmost integrity and accountability in the ministries they are assigned.
The Chief Registrar of the State High Court, who was represented by the Deputy Chief Registrar, Baitimizimo Obiri, administered the Oaths of Office and Allegiance on the permanent secretaries.
While congratulating them for reaching the zenith of their career, the governor stressed that their ability to perform effectively was crucial to the seamless functioning of government and also urged them to establish high standards of professionalism and ethics, ensuring that their actions reflect their aspirations and values of the people.
He said: “Be innovative in your approach in 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, who expressed confidence in the top public servants to embrace the challenge of delivering excellence in the civil service, implored them to foster teamwork and maintain open lines of communication, particularly with staff in their ministries.
The governor disclosed that there was pressure on him and his deputy from within and outside the state during the selection of the permanent secretaries but stressed that as a policy of government, he decided to restore the glory of the public service by following the due process.
