Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki on Tuesday in Benin City inaugurated 12 new Permanent Secretaries with a charge that any government official that engages in acts of corruption would be dismissed and tried in court.

Obaseki stressed that his administration has zero tolerance for corruption and disclosed that the new permanent secretaries (seven males and five females) were selected strictly on merit.

“You were all selected based on the result of the examination you wrote which was conducted by the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON). I personally went through the marked scripts and selected the best results. I interviewed all those selected and from the interview I found you worthy of this appointment.

“You were appointed based on merit, none of you lobbied for this position. Nobody influenced your appointments. So you owe it to your God, yourselves and the Edo people as well and be ready to serve the state. We expect you to be absolutely loyal, dedicated and abide by the oath you took,” the Governor said.

He revealed that he had commenced investigation into a situation where a memo was sent to him to approve N280 million for an exercise that was eventually carried out for N30 million.

He lamented that “with that amount of haemorrhage no system can survive” and assured that for his administration to experience economic growth and fulfill the promises made to Edo people, the civil service will be institutionalised.

“Without institutionalising the Civil Service, you can’t achieve growth. People will come and go but institutions will remain. It is important we build institutions because without a strong institution like the civil service, our administration will not deliver quality services to the people of Edo State. We promise to do all within our powers to return professionalism to the state civil service for the administration to achieve her goals,” he added.

On training, the Governor explained that his administration has embraced technology to raise the profile of the civil service to world class and has renovated the former Festival Hall, equipped with 80 computers and internet facility that will be used to train civil servants in the state.

“We are working on international partnerships that will bring people to train our civil servants and equip them with the necessary tools needed to face modern day challenges,” he added.

Responding on behalf of the permanent secretaries, Dr. Asogun Izielen thanked the Governor for the confidence the state reposed in them by appointing them and pledged their loyalty, commitment and dedication and support for the vision and drive of the Obaseki-led administration.

Permanent Secretaries inaugurated were Izielen; Mrs. Aziegbemhin Priscillia Emosioluame; Ms. Idugboe Helen Adesuwa; Mrs Obahiagbon Ruth Enoma; Rev. Uhunmwangho Samuel Obazee; Pastor Abode Christopher Oikhena; Ms. Bazuaye Itohan Emma; Mr. Iyekekpolor Michael; Mr. Aigbirio Samuel; Mr. Juwobor Inih-Ivibodohu Dennis Saylor; Mrs. Olatunji Juliana Idawhekpei; and Mr. Igberaese George.

•Photo shows newly sworn Edo State Permanent Secretaries, R-L; Pastor Abode Christopher Oikhena, Rev Uhunmwanghon Samuel Obazee, Ms. Obahiagbon Ruth Enoma, Ms Idugboe Helene Adesuwa, Mrs. Aziegbemhin Prescillia Emosioluam and Dr. Asogun Izielen.

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