Mr. Simon Lalong, Governor of Plateau State.
By Marie-Therese Nanlong
Jos – Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong has cautioned civil servants against politicizing the civil service, assuring that those found sabotaging Government activities due to political reasons will be dismissed.
The Governor gave the warning on Tuesday while swearing in the substantive President of the State Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Blessing Dalyop, and 11 new Permanent Secretaries.
He noted the machinery of governance needs not only competent, but honest and loyal staff who will support Government to implement its vision and programmes hence he expects the Permanent Secretaries to “show leadership driven by excellence, capacity, discipline, fairness, and honesty.”
His words, “Let me use this opportunity to again remind civil servants of the need to be loyal to Government and avoid all acts that are inimical to the smooth running of the affairs of the State.
“The civil service rules are very clear on responsibilities, privileges, and expectations from all civil servants. Because we are in a political period, you should endeavour to conduct yourselves within the norms of the service and avoid being used by politicians to disrupt the smooth running of government business. We will not spare those who run contrary to the rules.”
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He reminded them that because his administration is gradually winding down and there is so much work to be done, “this is the time for action and performance.” as he is determined to “complete on-going projects and programmes in line with our promise to leave Plateau better than he met it.”
To the President of the Customary Court of Appeal, the Governor urged her to “build on the legacies of her predecessors who did their best to ensure the dispensation of justice to the citizens,” stressing, it is expected that she will use this privilege to “take the Customary Court in Plateau State to the next level by identifying and tackling challenges that impede the smooth administration of justice.”
Lalong also cautioned the citizens against making unnecessary demands on the appointees through frivolous pressures that will distract them and push them to corruption and other unwholesome conduct.
Responding on behalf of all appointees, President of the Customary Court of Appeal Justice, Blessing Dalyop assured the Governor that they will do their best to serve with honesty and diligence.
