jasdooit

The Delta State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), under the leadership of Churchill Oyowe, officially praises the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for his strong and praiseworthy emphasis on seniority, professional expertise, merit, and demonstrated performance in the recent selection of Permanent Secretaries within the Delta State Civil Service.

The Council expresses great pleasure in observing that the Governor’s firm measures have enhanced public trust in the civil service, emphasizing the long-standing belief that hard work, perseverance, skill, and years of committed service are the most reliable and respected routes to professional growth.

The Council remembers that in recent times, it had aligned with other positive stakeholders in pushing for the appointment of Permanent Secretaries, as the process had been long overdue. It is therefore encouraging that the Governor not only heeded these requests but also took additional steps to ensure the procedure was conducted with transparency, professionalism, and a strong commitment to seniority, thereby re-establishing well-earned trust in the state’s public service integrity.

This approach is anticipated to greatly diminish unhealthy competition, unnecessary tension, bias, and the political influence that has frequently influenced appointments to the position of Permanent Secretary, despite its naturally political nature. More crucially, it revives confidence among staff by guaranteeing that no junior officer will be promoted over a senior one without valid, reasonable, and professionally justified reasons.

The Council strongly holds the view that when appointments are governed by openness and well-defined standards, officers who do not eventually become Permanent Secretaries are much more inclined to embrace these results with honesty, assured that the process provided every qualified officer an equitable and balanced opportunity.

The NUJ shares the Governor’s view that being appointed to the role of Permanent Secretary is not the highest point in a civil servant’s career, but instead a honor and an extra duty of exceptional service. Reaching Salary Grade Level 17 is still the highest level set by law; promotion to Permanent Secretary should be seen as a chance for more responsibility, depending on available positions and overall government factors.

Nonetheless, the Council humbly requests the Delta State Government to implement more creative, progressive, and long-term strategies that provide civil servants, at the height of their professional lives, with a greater and more concrete feeling of respect, satisfaction, and financial stability after retirement, whether following 35 years of outstanding service or when reaching the compulsory retirement age of 60.

The Council notes with significant worry that high-ranking officials who retire at the top of the civil service often face limited income and a modest standard of living. This situation does not properly acknowledge the great sacrifices, professional dedication, and essential institutional expertise gained over many years of service. These conditions may affect morale, reduce motivation, and weaken the culture of integrity and long-term commitment within the service, and partly explain the unhealthy competition, unrest, and political maneuvering that have traditionally occurred around Permanent Secretary appointments.

The Council therefore supports the development of better retirement welfare systems and improved pay structures for officers at Salary Grade Level 17, ensuring that reaching the top of the civil service is genuinely honorable, fulfilling, and something to aspire to; an accomplishment that public servants can look forward to with pride and real excitement, instead of worry or despair.

The Council reaffirms its trust in Governor Oborevwori’s dedication to enhancing the Delta State Civil Service and maintaining people-focused reforms that encourage equity, professionalism, institutional effectiveness, and enduring stability in governance. The NUJ commits to its ongoing backing of policies and efforts that improve the well-being of employees and the broader progress of Delta State.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.Syndigate.info).