ASABA/Nigeria: Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Wednesday charged political appointees and civil servants, particularly newly sworn-in members of the Civil Service Commission and Permanent Secretaries, to uphold the highest standards of integrity, professionalism and merit in the discharge of their responsibilities.
The governor gave the charge at the swearing-in ceremony of Comrade Olumami Oyibo, Dr. Lawrence Akpoufuoma Pemu and Prince Mike Oputa as reappointed members of the Delta State Civil Service Commission, as well as Mr. Victor Okubor and Engr. Juliet Aboloje Chukwulozie as Permanent Secretaries in the state civil service.
Congratulating the appointees, Oborevwori said their selection reflected the confidence of his administration in their experience, integrity and proven records of service to the state.
He explained that the reappointment of the three members of the Civil Service Commission followed the successful completion of their previous tenure and their subsequent screening and confirmation by the Delta State House of Assembly, a process he described as a clear testament to their commendable performance and the trust reposed in them by the administration.
According to the governor, the appointment of the Permanent Secretaries was strictly based on competence and merit, principles he said remained central to the ongoing public service reforms being implemented by his administration.
He noted that the appointment of Permanent Secretaries was a deliberate and strategic step aimed at strengthening leadership capacity within the civil service and positioning it for greater efficiency and effectiveness, adding that more Permanent Secretaries would be appointed in due course.
Describing the civil service as the backbone of government, Oborevwori said it remained the engine through which policies were implemented and development delivered to the people, stressing that no administration could succeed without a disciplined, professional and motivated workforce.
He charged members of the Civil Service Commission to continue to ensure that merit guided appointments and promotions, uphold professionalism and guarantee fairness and equity in the treatment of all civil servants.
Addressing the newly sworn-in Permanent Secretaries, the governor urged them to see their appointments as a call to higher service and an opportunity to make lasting contributions to the growth and development of Delta State.
“You must be effective team players, guided by honesty, dedication to duty and exemplary leadership. Lead by example with impartiality, diligence and commitment, setting standards for others to follow,” Oborevwori said.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the welfare and productivity of civil servants, highlighting initiatives such as the construction of additional residential quarters for Permanent Secretaries, regular and timely payment of salaries, clearance of pension backlogs, implementation of promotions as and when due, expanded training and capacity-building programmes, and improvements in the work environment to boost morale and efficiency.
Responding on behalf of the appointees, Comrade Olumami Oyibo thanked Governor Oborevwori for finding them worthy of the appointments and assured that they would deploy their wealth of experience in the discharge of their duties to promote good governance and advance the growth and development of Delta State.
