Be Above Board, Osinbajo Tells New Perm Secs

Acting President Yemi Osinbajo has advised the newly sworn in permanent secretaries to ensure that by their practice and conduct, they are above board.

He gave the advice at the swearing-in of the new permanent secretaries at the Council Chambers, Presidential Villa, Abuja.

He further warned them to shun any act of corruption in the discharge of their duties.

He said, “first, we are at the cusp of a radical economic recovery and growth effort that has as its core the implementation of a comprehensive diversification of the Nigerian economy.

“We are also implementing a major reform of our public finance system, emphasizing integrity and fiscal prudence. These reforms are being effected in the context of our determined anti-corruption programme and these efforts cannot succeed without a competent and committed civil service corps led by your good selves.

“This is why our commitment to the fight against corruption is not just a glib reference, it is not just glib talk; it is important, it is crucial, as a matter of fact, as the President has said – ‘if we don’t kill corruption, corruption will kill us’.

“It is your responsibility as federal permanent secretaries, especially this new corps of Federal Permanent Secretaries, chosen and selected on merit to ensure that you carry out in the fullest measure all of the anti-corruption programmes of this government, and to ensure also that by your practice and in your conduct, you are also above board.

“You are here today after a rigorous selection process undertaken by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation and her team of retired Heads of Service, Permanent Secretaries, seasoned technocrats and members of the organized private sector.

“In other words, your appointment, on a state by state basis, is on merit, and you are here today being presented to this nation as the best that our civil service can offer.”