No time for orientation, Gov Yahaya tells new commissioners

From Abdulrazaq Mungadi, Gombe

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has charged the newly sworn-in Commissioners, Special Advisers and Permanent Secretaries to commence work immediately, declaring that there is no time for orientation as the administration enters its final year in office.

Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony held yesterday at the Government House, Gombe, the governor urged the new appointees to hit the ground running and justify the confidence reposed in them through effective service delivery and commitment to the administration’s development agenda.

Yahaya said the expectations of the people were high, stressing that the officials must implement government policies with precision and ensure that the dividends of democracy reach citizens across the state.

“As we steadily approach the twilight of our eight-year tenure, you have less than a year to make your mark. There is absolutely no time for learning or institutional orientation; you need to hit the ground running immediately,” he said.

The governor reminded the appointees that they were assuming office at the beginning of an election season, urging them to make performance and measurable achievements the administration’s strongest campaign asset.

He also warned against corruption, indiscipline and abuse of public office, insisting that government resources must be managed with integrity, transparency and accountability in the interest of the people.

Yahaya further charged Permanent Secretaries to eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks, enforce fiscal discipline and strengthen the civil service, while urging the Commissioners and Special Advisers to work collaboratively in accelerating the implementation of government programs.

The governor also announced the portfolios of the 23 Commissioners who will oversee the various ministries in the State Executive Council.

Earlier, in his welcome address, the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, described the ceremony as part of the constitutional responsibility of government to appoint competent individuals to manage the affairs of Ministries, Departments and Agencies for the continued development of Gombe State.

The ceremony featured the announcement of the portfolios of the 23 Commissioners and concluded with a renewed call for collective commitment to the continued development and prosperity of Gombe State.