Governor Mohammed Bago of Niger State inaugurated 60 new political appointees, consisting of 30 Commissioners and 30 Special Advisers, on Monday.
During his speech at the event, the governor emphasized that these appointments were made strictly based on merit, competence, and a proven record of hard work and integrity.
“Therefore, I expect you to bring this hallmark of excellence and commitment to bear on this new assignment,” he further said.
Governor Bago urged the appointees to work together in synergy to ensure that the government delivers on its mandate from the people of the state.
“I need you all to work together in synergy to ensure that collectively, we will deliver on our mandate.
“I need you all to embrace teamwork as the key to driving government’s policies and programs, while complementing each other to achieve the overall target of delivering the highest good for the highest number,” he said.
He warned them against complacency, docility, and corruption in the discharge of their duties.
“Let me make it very clear that there will be no room for complacency, docility, and, very importantly, corruption.
“You should not see the privilege of your appointment as an opportunity for self-enrichment.
“If you allow yourself to be caught in the web of corruption, you will definitely be shown the way out,” the governor said.
According to him, what the government desires to see is the exhibition of the appointees’ wealth of experience in their areas of assignments to enable successful delivery.
He stated that the government would hold them accountable for the daily activities of their respective Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.
“Therefore, I advise you to be open-minded, vigilant, and ensure fairness and justice to all,” he said.
Governor Bago solicited the support of the residents to enable his government to deliver the dividends of democracy to them.
He assured the people that his administration would entertain constructive criticisms and value additions from all the stakeholders in the governance process to ensure success.
“We all have a collective responsibility to build a greater Niger, where peace, development, and harmonious co-existence prevail,” he said.
The governor promised that the government would focus on its constitutional responsibility of protecting the lives and property of the state’s residents.
“We will ensure that our people continue to go about their daily routines in a peaceful and secure environment,” he said.
He added that the government would provide critical infrastructure for education, health, and the agricultural value chain. It would also create jobs, empower the youth, and pay attention to improved urban renewal, among other areas.
Governor Bago charged the appointees to make the most of their appointment to positively impact the lives of the people.
Additionally, the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Abubakar Usman, advised them to be guided in their daily activities by the oath of office they took.
“Your activities are to be constantly guided by the wordings of your oath because, by virtue of your positions, you will have privileged access to vital information and documents, which must be treated with the utmost secrecy and confidentiality,” Usman said.
Responding on behalf of the appointees, Maurice Magaji, the Commissioner for Lands and Survey, promised that they would serve with honesty, dignity, and humanity.
“It is an honor to be selected among several Niger indigenes who are qualified for the same positions.
“So, we will do our best to serve and not disappoint the governor and our people.
“We will remain loyal to the governor and the citizenry,” Mr. Magaji said.
The state Chief Judge, Justice Halima Ibrahim, represented by Justice Memuna of the state High Court, administered the oath of office and allegiance to them.
NAN
