Fintiri Swear-in Perm. Secs, Says Promotion Now is Based on Merit

Daily Rendezvous

The Adamawa state governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, said his government has since its inception identities the civil service as the machinery for the effective implementation of its Eleven-Point agenda. 

Fintiri said, the appointment of new permanent secretaries is not a mere activity but a means for recognition of hard work, discipline and dedication to service.

He made this remark in a speech he delivered at the inauguration of the newly appointed Permanent Secretaries, Monday, in Yola, Adamawa state.

Fintiri said, "I welcome you all to yet another milestone in our journey to a new and progressive Adamawa State that works for all – which is the swearing-in of another batch of Permanent Secretaries in the Civil Service of our dear State. 

"This ceremony goes beyond the mere ritual of trying to fill the existing vacancies created by the retirement of a number of patriots who had the privilege of serving our State with fulfilment, but an event which we have deliberately transformed into an avenue for reinforcing our commitment to strengthening government machinery towards generating greater momentum for enhanced productivity, efficiency and delivery of service to our State and our people.  

"As a government, we have long recognized the significance of the Civil service as an indispensable machinery for delivering every governance policy and initiative to fruition. Hence, our decision to at the inception place it at the center of our 11-Point agenda. For the past two years, we have invested tremendous effort to strengthen the service for optimum performance through deliberate and fortifying reform that is aimed at repositioning the service for enhanced productivity.  It is our fervent believe that we can’t build a modern Adamawa State without a modern Civil Service.  And the only way we can have a modern Civil Service is to have the required courage to drive bold reforms in the service structure. A reform that will position the service for excellence and make it respond positively to the nuances of the moment - to deliver better, more responsive government services in a time of tight budgets." 

Fintiri explained that, "To use the very best of the most innovative technology to improve services and also to improve lives. To recruit and retain the best, then deliver the skills, leadership and freedom the good people need to fulfil their talents. And to work for modern Adamawa, the civil service needs to be upgraded to reflect our new-found status as a State. 

This matter, to you and to us as politicians, because we all want the same thing: better to serve our fellow citizens and the State we love. A government machine inspired by timeless values, but with the confidence and flexibility to enact them in everyday working life. A civil service that’s more open, innovative, collaborative, unified, empowering, forward-thinking, flexible – aspirational, transformational, talent-spotting, nurturing, tech-savvy, diverse, socially mobile and most importantly merit-driven.  

We have subdued mediocrity and upheld the triumph of merit in progression in the service. We have overhauled the process of selecting candidates for appointment as Permanent Secretaries in the State. 

"To engender transparency and ensure appointments to such exalted position are done purely on merit devoid of parochial considerations, we have introduced examination to be conducted by an independent examiner - the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON). And ensured that the result of such examinations is made public. I reiterate my confidence in the selection process and call on the Head of Service to ensure that it remains transparent, meticulous and credible.   

"Today, you are the successful candidates that such transparent process has thrown to us. I can’t call you lucky because you possessed something greater than luck. Congratulations.  

"I urge you to justify your performance in the examination with your performance in office. Now more than ever before you are ushered into the hall of leaders in your respective capacities. 

"Leadership doesn’t mean learning the jargon of management. Rather Leadership is about taking the task at hand, and inspiring others, confident in their ability, and empowering them to deliver. It’s about expressing views straightforwardly and with clarity, upwards as well as downwards. It’s about innovation and problem-solving.  

"You are coming on board at a very critical time when we are wrapping up our successes in the execution of our 11-point agenda amidst precarious social, economic and political climate. We have braved through triumphantly over the years with the support of dedicated leadership at the helm of the service; as we welcome you on board the team, I urge you to remain focused, productive and accountable not only to the administration but to the people we are all hired to serve. The guiding philosophy of the Government as always is ensuring no one is left behind and nothing is left untouched.    

"The civil Service in Adamawa State has always been a dependable ally in our determination to improve the living standard of our people and the delivery of the dividends of good governance. From our rural and urban renewal campaign, our strides in the health, education, security, youths and women empowerment, agriculture, civil service reform, internally generated revenue, commerce and industry, environment and climate change, etc., I can’t thank the entire civil service enough for the support. We shall continue to ensure that we give back within the limit of resources available by paying attention to the welfare, training and working condition of the Service.  

Once again, I congratulate you and welcome you to the team as we all resolve to work for greater Adamawa State."