As part of the strategy to
consolidate on his administration’s service delivery, the Cross River State Governor, Senator Liyel Imoke, has sworn in 14 new Permanent Secretaries including four women.
Performing the ceremony at the State Council Chambers in Calabar, the state capital, Imoke charged the new permanent secretaries to remain firm on his administration’s policy thrust as well as that of the state, warning them never to succumb to any pressure not to do the right thing at all times.
The Governor maintained that as permanent secretaries, they must be responsible and imbibe the policy of the government which is commitment to service, accountability, probity, justice and equity.
He urged them to be above board, while bearing in mind that there is high expectation from them, while ensuring that they bring the public service in Cross River to the high standard the state is noted for.
Reminding the permanent secretaries that the success and failures of Ministries, Departments and Agencies lie solely on them, the Governor urged them to remain committed and work hand in hand with their Commissioners and Special Advisers as this was the only way they could succeed and do well.
He admonished them to understand the state government’s emphasis on prudence, transparency, accountability to management of resources, enforcement of the contents of the public service rules and its compliance, adding that only these would ensure that Cross River State stands on a civil service that is in tune with acceptable standards.
The governor further charged them to work towards understanding the state development initiatives, state documents on developments and imbibes them with their subordinates and discuss same with their commissioners and special advisers as these would enable them exceed their expectations and make a difference in the lives of the citizenry.
Earlier, the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Mike Aniah, had said there was urgent need to fill the vacuum created with the retirements of permanent secretaries in the state civil service, hence the need for the governor to appoint 14 permanent secretaries on December 31, 2013, after a careful selection based on merit.
