Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue state Thursday swore-in 12 new permanent secretaries and advised them not to engage in fraudulent activities saying it is better for them to leave office poor than spend the rest of their lives in jail.
Ortom also charged the new permanent secretaries to be just, fair and equitable in the discharge of their duties.
In a remark at the swearing-in ceremony held at the New Banquet Hall of the Benue Government House Makurdi, he urged the new permanent secretaries to resist the temptation of getting involve into corruption.
He vowed that he will not be party to rescuing anybody found wanting from the hands of law enforcement agents.
Governor Ortom acknowledged the vital roles played by permanent secretaries especially as accounting officers of Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs, saying they were sworn in to fill the vacuum created by the retirement of most of their colleagues.
He solicited the cooperation and support of all Benue people, members of the State Executive Council and the entire civil servants to enable the new appointees succeed in their assignments, even as he assured them of government support.
“You should be guided by the fact that to whom much is given, much is also expected. Your loyalty and total commitment to duty and adherence to our philosophy of total abhorrence for corruption, indiscipline and all the negative tendencies that can weigh the state down from moving forward must be your guiding principles,” the governor noted.
Mr. Apir-Ityu Ayaka while responding on behalf of his colleagues said they would strive to serve the state and people based on the dictates of their oath of office.
Those sworn in include Apir-Ityu Ayaka, Stephen Abagi, Samuel Orchir, John Umoor, Chia Ikuluke, Stephen Adah, John Akume, Frank Usa Adi and Tor Moses Leva. Others are Felicia Alubo, Rhoda Gum and Margaret Ikpe.
