My govt won’t condone corruption, incompetence

ABUJA — President Muhammadu Buhari,
yesterday, issued a stern warning to the
Permanent Secretaries and the entire civil service
that his administration would not tolerate
corruption, incompetence and excesses.

The president spoke while swearing in the 18
newly appointed Permanent Secretaries in Abuja.
He said: “I must, however, sound a note of
warning. It is within public domain that ministers
as chief executives of their ministries as well as
other government officials involved in policy
formulation and implementation often complain
of the intolerable levels of incompetence,
indifference or even suspected sabotage by some
of the top echelon of the civil service.
“Even where Permanent Secretaries, in some
instances, are exempted from these accusations,
they are still responsible and liable for failing to
provide the required leadership, control and
direction.
“This administration will not condone any
excesses, indifference, incompetence, and corrupt
practices in any form. Permanent Secretaries are,
therefore, advised to note these words of caution
and disseminate them to all civil servants
accordingly.
“I am sure the Permanent Secretaries and all
other civil servants appreciate the fact that I have
always considered the civil service as an
indispensable reservoir of experience, expertise
and loyalty. I, therefore, consider the service as a
dependable ally in my quest to change this country
for the better.”
The President, who congratulated the Permanent
Secretaries on their appointments, also tasked
them on the financial prudence. He reminded
them that the expectations of Nigerians from the
government were high, restating his resolve to
create jobs and diversify the economy.”
Meanwhile, 16 of the newly appointed Permanent
Secretaries took oath of office. They are: Ayotunde
Adesugba, Taiwo Abidogun, Dr. Bukar Hassan,
Mrs. Wakama Belema Asifieka, Mr. Jalal Ahmad
Arabi, Mr. Sabiu Zakar, Mrs. Obiageli Phyllis
Nwokedi, Mr. Aminu Nabegu.
Others are Mr. Alo Williams Nwankwo, Dr. Shehu
Ahmed, Mr. Ogbonnaya Innocent Kalu, Mrs.
Nuratu Jimoh Batagarawa, Mr. Christian Chinyeaka
Ohaa, Mr. Bassey Akpanyung, Mr. Louis Edozien
and Dr. Ugo Roy.
However, two other Permanent Secretaries, who
were absent at the inauguration, were said to have
travelled out of the country on official assignment.
They are Mr. Bamgbose Olukunle Oladele and
Alhaji Mahmoud Isa-Dutse.