By Sunday Iduh
Governor Samuel Ortom on Wednesday at the Benue Peoples House, Makurdi swore-in eight (8) new Permanent Secretaries with a charge on them to be patriotic and accountable. He urged them to carry out their duties with fairness and equity.
He congratulated them on their appointment, noting that they were selected based on merit, and should deploy their wealth of knowledge as they carry out their duties wherever they were posted, stating that they should not be carried away by their appointment, but see it as an opportunity to serve.
The governor, however, warned them not to indulge in partisan politics, but urged them to give quality advice to the state government and political appointees, while also appealing to other senior colleagues and civil servants to cooperate and give the permanent secretaries the necessary support as they carry out their duties to enable them succeed.
“Be guided by the civil service rules on political participation and adhere to the principles of equity, transparency, accountability, fairness, and justice in the discharge of your duties, don’t be carried away by your appointment,” he stressed.
Governor Ortom maintained that he was committed to clearing the salary arrears of civil servants and pensions. “The state is not relenting in its monthly commitment to the Pension Commission (PENCOM)”
He called on all Benue people to be security conscious as they carry out their daily activities and report any suspicious movement of persons to relevant agencies
Responding on behalf of the newly appointed permanent secretaries, Tighil Godwin appreciated the governor for allowing them to serve the state and assured that they will carry out their duties based on the core values of the state civil service.
The eight permanent secretaries sworn-in today consist of five males and three females. They are: Tighil Tyolumun, Gabriel Ameh, Engr Sende Isaac, Agbo Ode.
Others include Mrs Adole Joy, Mrs Nyikyaa Helen, Dr Beatrice Tsavmbu and Ali Suleman.
