NUJ Delta Appeals To Governor Oborevwori To Appoint Permanent Secretaries

By Daniel Dafe

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council has appealed to Governor Sheriff Obotrevwori to appoint substantive Permanent Secretaries, saying that the non-comprehensive appointment of substantive Permanent Secretaries since the inception of the current administration has continued to generate concern within the public service.

In a statement signed by Churchill Oyowe, Chairman and Josephine Omodior, Acting Secretary, while the NUJ Delta acknowledged that “the appointment of Permanent Secretaries is a privilege vested in the discretion of the Governor, it remains a critical component of the structure and stability of the civil service.”

According to the statement, “at present, many Ministries, Departments and Agencies are being overseen by officials in functioning capacity, a situation that has persisted since your administration came on board.”

The Union said further: “Over time, several officers have served in acting capacity and left without the opportunity of being confirmed, while others continue to function in similar circumstances. This development has inadvertently created a climate of uncertainty within the senior cadre of the service.

“The appointment of substantive Permanent Secretaries offers several important benefits to the public service. It strengthens administrative stability, enhances institutional memory, promotes accountability in policy implementation, and provides clear leadership within Ministries, Departments and Agencies. Substantive appointments also boost morale among senior civil servants by rewarding merit, experience and years of dedicated service to the state.

“Furthermore, it helps eliminate the limitations associated with prolonged functioning appointments, ensures continuity in governance processes, and reinforces the professionalism for which the Delta State Civil Service is widely respected.”

Furthermore, NUJ Delta State Council respectfully appealed to Governor Oborevwori to expedite action on the comprehensive appointment of substantive Permanent Secretaries in the state civil service.

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Adding: “Doing so will not only address the growing prevalence of prolonged functioning appointments but will also further consolidate the reforms and welfare initiatives already introduced by the administration.”

“The Council is confident that Your Excellency, whose leadership has consistently demonstrated commitment to workers’ welfare and institutional strengthening, will give this matter the necessary consideration in the overall interest of the Delta State public service,” the statement said.

Meanwhile, NUJ Delta acknowledged and commended the administration for the notable strides recorded in improving the welfare of civil servants since assuming office.

Furthermore, the Council noted with appreciation the implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage for workers in the state, the payment of about N5.5 billion in promotion arrears, and the sustained culture of prompt and regular payment of salaries, saying that “these measures, alongside the policy of ensuring promotions are carried out as and when due, have significantly boosted the morale of the workforce.”

Continuing, the union, said: “Equally commendable are the palliative support measures introduced to cushion the effects of subsidy removal, improved welfare allowances for public servants, enhanced loan packages, and the provision of official vehicles for senior civil servants to aid administrative efficiency.

“These steps clearly demonstrate the administration’s commitment to the welfare and productivity of the Delta State public service and have contributed in no small measure to strengthening confidence within the civil service.”

“The NUJ Delta State Council reiterates its continued support for policies and actions that promote efficiency, professionalism and good governance in the state,” the statement concluded.