From Henrietta Ashikodi, Umuahia
It was a moment of joy to Permanent Secretaries in Abia Civil Service as Governor Alex Otti, presented 28 of them with a brand new Geely Emgrand cars and informed them that they would not be paying back.
Presenting the cars to the beneficiaries on Tuesday, at the premises of the new commissioned Michael Okpara Auditorium, Otti said that the gesture was part of his administration’s resolve to restore dignity of the civil service and provide the necessary tools for effective service delivery.
He revealed that having appointed them Permanent Secretaries, there is a need to make their job a little easier by providing them with mobility. He reiterated that the days of coming to work with keke was over.
“Your documents are also ready, so are the details in terms of amortization, i have discussed with the HOS, that you don’t pay for the car. Is totally free”.
He made it clear that the appointments of the Permanent Secretaries were done based on merit, transparency, and competence, reitereted that none of them was selected based on personal connection.
“All of you attained this position on your own merit, even those I knew before the process, did not make it because it was transparently conducted,” The Governor said.
He once again reassured of his commitment to transforming the Service, stated that his government is embarking on a new phase of civil service transformation driven by technology and digitization to improve efficiency and accountability.
So, you will be seeing a lot of new things. I have signed off on the procurement of devices for everyone. The internet ready devices. And of course, you are aware that we are trying to get the entire State to be internet ready,” Gov. Otti stated
He commended them for their cooperation, describing them as instrument to the success of his administration’s policies and programmes as he expressed confidence that the gesture would result in better service delivery, greater motivation, and a more efficient civil service in Abia State.
In a vote of thanks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Lands, TPL Ukpabi Ukeje on behalf of other Permanent Secretaries thanked the Governor for providing them with mobility and make the work easy for them. He prayed for God’s protection and to continue to lead him alright
Also speaking in an interview, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Sir Chris Onwuegbu said he feel fulfilled, thankful and empowered to serve the state better.
He commended the governor for his vision, and foresight in transforming the state. He noted that this is the first time a governor is empowering permanent Secretaries in the state, adding that the one close to this was when a certain governor gifted cares to only female permanent Secretaries
The Permanent Secretary disclosed that, they were initially thinking of how the method of payment will be like but were completely surprised and thankful when the governor said the cars are free with our documents ready.
The Secretary to the State Government, the Head of Service, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Commissioners among others were present at the event.
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