Ambode warns perm Secs against Compromise

The Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, has warned civil servants, especially the permanent secretaries, in the state against compromise in the discharge of their duties to the people.

The governor said he would hold

the permanent secretary liable in any ministry found to have compromised in the state.Ambode spoke on Wednesday at the Lagos House, Ikeja, during the swearing-in of 19 new permanent secretaries.

He reminded the new accounting officers of the state ministries that the quality of service delivered by this government would be measured through them on daily basis.

He said, “Any ministry where the quality of service is compromised, the permanent secretary, as the accounting officer, would be held liable. I expect nothing but excellence in this centre of excellence.

“I expect you to apply the best tenets of the civil 

service in your roles as accounting officers of your ministries, making excellent service and the common good of all Lagosians your watchwords.

“Your appointments, from a pool of equally competent and qualified directors, were as a result of a careful selection based on merit, professionalism and proven track record of service to the state.”

The governor said during his inaugural address, he promised to carry out public sector reforms, adding that such could be seen in the merging 

and realignment of ministries and agencies, as well as the creation of new ones.

He said, “We have established the Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment, the Ministry of Overseas Affairs and Investment, and the Office of Civic Engagement to run an inclusive government and create better opportunities for our people.”

Ambode said the next phase was the constitution of cabinet to consolidate on the foundation that had been laid in the last 60 days.

Earlier, the Head of Service, Mrs. Folashade 

Jaji, who presented the new appointees to the governor, stated that the governor used exemplary performance and merit as core criteria for elevation into higher posts in the state public service.

“There is no doubt in my mind that with these appointments, a strong message has been sent across in the state public service by His Excellency that diligence, dedication, commitment, loyalty and hard work will ultimately be rewarded,” she said.

Speaking on behalf of others, Mrs. Adebunmi Adekanye, Permanent Secretary, Office of Civic Engagement, pledged that she and her colleagues would work to deliver quality service to move the state to the next level.

Other permanent secretaries and their portfolio ministries are: Folarin Adeyemi, Information and Strategy; Olabode Agoro, Lands Bureau; Ayodele Amosu, Teachers Establishment and Pension Office; Abiola Anifowoshe, Education District VI; Olabisi Ariyo, Education; Caster Bade-Adebowale, Office of the Chief of Staff; Boladele Dapo-Thomas, Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation; Adebisi Kadiri, Economic Planning and Budget; Olorunfemi Mustapha, Science and Technology; Adesina Odeyemi, Public Service Office; Arinola Odulana, Office of Overseas Affairs and Investment; Adesola Odunlami, Justice; Olusola Odupitan, Audit Service Commission; Olanike Oduwole, Wealth Creation and Employment; Adesina Onisarotu, Environment and Nuriat Sodeinde, Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Relations.

Copyright PUNCH.
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.