Civil Servants Warned to Steer Clear of Politics in Bayelsa.

.

 Gov Seriake Dickson.

Photo courtesy Bayelsa State Government.

Change has indeed come to Bayelsa State.

Governor Seriake Dickson wants the new Head of Service to restore the Public Service to its time-tested principles of loyalty, efficiency and anonymity as well as respect for the cardinal rules of the service.

Governor Dickson gave the charge at the swearing in ceremony of the new Head of Service, Sir Frazer Okuoru at the Executive Council Chambers of Government House in Yenagoa.

Governor Dickson who explained that the appointment of the new Head of Service was a demonstration of the fact that the career prospects of a civil servant did not have to be dependent on nepotism and favouritism, admonished Sir Okuoru to work with the leadership of the service to restore its lost glory and return it to its once enviable status.

According to him, Sir Okuoru’s appointment was based on seniority as he is the most senior, fit and proper person to head the service at this point in time.

He further stated that there should be a clear succession line unless there are serious issues bordering on competence and ethics.

The State Chief Executive therefore called on the Head of Service to address issues of politicization among Public Servants, stressing that they were expected to be non-partisan and guide and give needed support to the political leadership of the time to render quality service to the people.

“I don’t want to see Political Directors, Permanent Secretaries because it complicates issues; I want to see a virile and well-trained civil service rather than struggling for recognition and political space” Governor Dickson emphasized.

While, urging Permanent Secretaries to offer maximum support to the new Head of Service, he also commended the immediate past Head of Service, Mrs Gloria Izonfuo for her dedication and contributions to the Public Service.

Governor Dickson who also urged Sir Okuoru to tackle the problems of payroll fraud and attitude to work in the service, expressed government’s commitment to commence the construction of the Civil Servant's Training Institute.

The 58 year old Head of Service who has been a Permanent Secretary since 1998 was until his appointment, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education.