PROTOCOL.

Today’s occasion open’s another chapter in the annals of the Plateau State Civil Service. This is with the swearing in of newly appointed Permanent Secretaries into the service; the first Major Governance restructuring of the civil service in the state by this Administration.

Since the inception of this administration and in my inaugural address on assumption of office, I had noted that we are into a new beginning that reveals the limitless possibilities before us. It therefore calls for reflection and evaluation in tackling our outstanding challenges. I assured the people of Plateau that our government will be committed to enhancing productivity and professionalism in the Civil Service as a driving force in our development both at the State and Local Government Levels. The recent retirement of some Permanent Secretaries and the reversal of some Permanent Secretaries to their former position before their appointment as Permanent Secretaries is a clear statement of our commitment to restructuring the civil service. We will continue to uphold the principle of meritocracy and service rules in the appointments we will be making in the Civil Service.

Let me unambiguously state that the civil service of any State defines the character and content of Government. The Permanent Secretaries as key drivers of the image and structure of Government’s operations are coming into the value chain of the Civil Service to run a participatory governance process, which will enhance service delivery through professionalism and the building of a harmonious working relationship with organized Labor. We have managed the labor unrest we inherited well, you are therefore with your appointments expected to sustain the confidence we have earned through qualitative contribution to governance.

The recommendation of the Transition Committee which we are implementing religiously to rescue the Civil Service will ensure that the conflicts of functions between agencies and ministries of government are squarely addressed; and that career progression as an incentive for service is maintained to check the unnecessary interference with the bureaucratic structure of government. Let me further assure you that the principle of State Character would be adhered to guarantee the meritorious inclusion of all within the Civil Service. Your well deserved appointments as Permanent Secretaries in the Civil Service is therefore anchored on many criteria which include cognate experience, seniority in service, loyalty and diligence.

As bureaucrats, you are the Chief Accounting Officers in your respective Ministries, which implies that you have a great role to play in government’s decision to implementation its policy focus. You are expected to conform strictly to the requirements of the Civil Service in the discharge of your responsibilities, be none partisan and ensure that discipline is professionally injected into the Civil Service without consideration of political persuasion.

Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, you will recall that in my 100 Days broadcast address to the people of the State, I said the enormity of the challenges that we are confronted with as a government, has left us with the immediate option of quick fixes that will address the needs of our people. The appointment of Permanent Secretaries and allocation of Ministries will provide the needed man power for the services that will address this myriad of challenges. The old and newly appointed Permanent Secretaries are therefore designated as follows;

1. Ministry of Justice – Barr. Felix Adawana

2. Ministry of Education, Science & Tech:Higher Education –        Mrs. Dorathy S. Myesgin

3. Ministry of Education, Science & Tech:Primary/Secondary Education – Christopher C. Bello

4. Ministry of Works and Transport- Engr. Sunday C. Hyat

5. Ministry of Local Government & Chieftaincy Affairs – James D. Yilnaan

6. Ministry of Information & Communication-Stephen Pam Gadong

7. Ministry of Health – Gwantau Habila

8. Ministry of Women Affairs andSocial Development  –   Dr. (Mrs) Hamza S. Fadimatu

9. Ministry of Agriculture Natural Resources – Freeman Kum

10. Ministry of Commerce and Industry- Thomas Chollom

11. Ministry of Tourism, Culture & Hospitality -Mrs. Julia Wuyep

12. Ministry of Lands, Survey Town Planning  – Barr. James Giwa

13. Ministry of Water Resources -Mrs. Dorcas Din

14. Ministry of Finance -Mrs. Rautha Dakok

15. Ministry of Environment-        Dr. Elias Pede

16. Ministry of Housing &Urban Development – Alh. Sani Yahaya Mavo

17. Ministry of Youth & Sport Development-James Dalyop

EXTRA MINISTERIAL DEPARTMENTS

1. Government House Administration- Izam A. Azi

2. Deputy Governor’s Office -Emmanuel G. Kayi

3. Policy and General Services (OSSG) – Richard Tokman

4. Cabinet and Special Services (OSSG) – Cornelius Shiolbial

5. General Administration (OHCS) – Moses Nwan

6. Establishment (OHCS) – Sam Ngurmar

7. Local Government Service Commission-  Fabian A. Ntung

8. Teachers Service Commission – Mrs. Doris D. Mallo

9. Planning Commission – Henry K. Laankwa

10. Operation Rainbow -Ambrose Zwalnuang

11. Civil Service Commission- Alh. Sani Abubakar

As you assume your portfolios and responsibilities, let me reiterate that our underlining philosophical approach to development is people oriented and people centered. This implies that our policies been a deliberate cause of action to achieve set goals for the common good of the people, cannot be handled with impunity. Your performances in the short, medium and long terms will be measured through let down time lines for our Five Point Agenda which you should acquaint yourself with.

On this note I congratulate and welcome the new Permanent Secretaries into their new responsibilities and look forward to their valued contributions to the Rescue Project. Time is of essence, you therefore must be alert to critically think out solutions on how to implement the rescue mandate to meet up the expectations of the people of Plateau.

Finally, I will not end this speech without expressing my gratitude to all the retired Permanent Secretaries who have rendered their services to the development of the State. I wish them all the best in their future endeavor and urge them to be prepared to serve the state when ever called upon.

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SWEARING – IN CEREMONY OF NEWLY APPOINTED PERMANENT SECRETARIES- Speech by Governor