Buhari swears in 8 perm secs

President Muhammadu Buhari, has said past administrations “abused, undermined and destroyed the systems of checks and balances within the civil service.

Buhari, who stated this on Wednesday at the swearing in of eight permanent secretaries from eight states where vacancies existed, added that the “checks and balances were meant to protect and preserve the interest of our citizens.”

According to him, it was this systemic abuse of power that “significantly enriched a few privileged individuals, while at the same time making majority of our fellow citizens poorer and underserved.”

“As a result, many Nigerians lost confidence in Government and its ability to deliver the required guidance and service to our people.”

He reiterated that since he was sworn into office in May 2015, he has delivered on the three cardinal programmes promised Nigerians namely security, inclusive and diversified Economic Development and war against Corruption and abuse of power.

The President who swore in the permanent secretaries shortly before the commencement of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, charged the new appointees to key into the Administration’s programmes, aimed at reforming Nigeria and restoring the confidence of Nigerians in Government and the civil service.

He said: “To enable you to achieve this, we approved the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2017 to 2020. This plan will ensure the civil service is adequately manned and equipped to operate efficiently as it implements government policies for inclusive growth and development.

“When fully implemented, we would have successfully transformed the Civil Service into an efficient, productive, incorruptible and citizen-centered machinery of government.

“Therefore, l wish to take this opportunity to solicit your support and cooperation as we implement all the programmes of government in a result -oriented manner that will leave an indelible legacy.

“In doing this, you must all remain above board and eschew partisanship your decisions and actions. You must strive to achieve excellence at all times. Your motto should be civility and serviceability.”

He congratulated the newly sworn in Permanent Secretaries, saying “This is a great achievement of which you should be proud. Only a tiny percentage of Nigerians make it to this level. I am sure that your journey to reach this apex position in the Federal Civil Service has been full of challenges and sacrifices.

“As you celebrate this remarkable achievement. I also want to remind you that the oath you Just took and the position you currently hold comes with a lot of responsibilities.

“Now more than ever our country needs a very vibrant, professional and selfless civil service that will help our country overcome its pressing problems.

“As politicians, we develop policies and provide strategic direction for the nation. However, the task of implementing these policies and strategies rests in the hands of the civil service under the able guidance of the Permanent Secretaries.”

The new permanent secretaries are: Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan (Osun State), Dr. Mohammed Dikwa (Borno), Dr. Ajani Magdalene N. Olor (Delta) and Festus Yusuf Narai Daudu (Nasarawa).

Others includes: Mbaeri Maurice Nnamdi (Imo), Dr. Bakari Wadinga (Adamawa), Babatunde Lawal (Lagos), and Umakhihe Ernest Afolabi (Edo).