By: Abdullahi InuwaÂ
KATSINA — Governor Dikko Umaru Radda has sent a strong message to the Katsina State Civil Service that the era of favoritism and influence in appointments is over, declaring that only merit, integrity and competence will earn officers positions at the highest levels of government.
The governor made the declaration on Wednesday while swearing in four newly appointed Permanent Secretaries at the Red Chamber of the Government House, Katsina, where he charged the new appointees to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, accountability and selfless service.
Describing the appointments as the outcome of a rigorous, transparent and merit-based selection process, Governor Radda said his administration would continue to reward excellence and create equal opportunities for deserving civil servants irrespective of their local government of origin, background or personal connections.
“The strength of the civil service lies in competence and integrity. Our administration will continue to promote officers based on merit because a productive public service is the foundation of good governance,” the governor declared.
In a candid assessment of the selection exercise, Radda revealed that some local government areas failed to produce successful candidates because no eligible officers met the required qualifications and professional standards.
Rather than gloss over the shortfall, the governor described it as a challenge that must be addressed through sustained training and human capital development. He expressed optimism that with continuous capacity-building, every local government in Katsina would eventually produce officers qualified to occupy strategic positions in ministries, departments and agencies.
Governor Radda reminded the newly inaugurated Permanent Secretaries that their elevation comes with enormous responsibility, urging them to remain faithful to the oath of office by demonstrating honesty, transparency, discipline and unwavering commitment to the people of Katsina State.
He also tasked senior civil servants, especially Permanent Secretaries and Directors, to mentor younger officers and deliberately build the next generation of public service leaders capable of sustaining ongoing reforms and improving service delivery.
According to him, developing competent successors is essential to creating a resilient and efficient civil service that can meet the growing expectations of citizens.
The governor further appealed to the families of the new appointees, particularly their spouses, to provide the moral support needed for them to discharge their responsibilities effectively.
Congratulating the four Permanent Secretaries, Radda expressed confidence that they possess the experience, character and leadership qualities required to strengthen governance and accelerate development across the state.
The newly sworn-in Permanent Secretaries are Alhaji Abdu Usman, Dr. Sani Suleiman, Dr. Shamsuddeen Yahaya Suleiman and Dr. Hussaini Hamisu Yanduna.
The colourful ceremony attracted senior government officials, traditional leaders, family members, friends and well-wishers who witnessed the inauguration of the state’s newest top civil servants, marking another milestone in the Radda administration’s drive to build a professional, efficient and performance-driven public service.
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