President Buhari was speaking at the Council Chambers of the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja shortly after swearing in 16 of the 18 newly appointed permanent secretaries.
He noted that ministers and other government officials involved in policy formulation and implementation often complained of the intolerable levels of incompetence, indifference or even suspected sabotage by some of the top echelon of the civil service.
Those sworn in included Mrs. Ayotunde Adesugba, Mr. Taiwo Abidogun, Dr. Bukar Hassan, Mrs. Wakama Belema Asifieka, Mr. Jalal Ahmad Arabi, Mr. Sabiu Zakari, Mrs. Obiageli Phyllis Nwokedi, Mr. Aminu Nabegu and Mr. Alo Williams Nwankwo, Dr. Shehu Ahmed, Mr. Ogbonnaya Innocent Kalu, Mrs. Nuratu Jimoh Batagarawa, Mr. Christian Chinyeaka Ohaa, Mr. Bassey Apkanyung, Mr. Louis Edozien and Dr. Ugo Roy.
Permanent Secretaries Bamgbose Olukunle Oladele (Political Affairs Office, Office of the Secretary General of the Federation) and Mahmoud Isa-Dutse (Finance Ministry) were absent at the swearing-in ceremony because they were abroad for official duties.
According to Buhari, even where permanent secretaries, in some instances, are exempted from these accusations, they are still responsible and liable for failing to provide the required leadership, control and direction.
President Buhari also cautioned that his government would not tolerate any form of excesses, indifference, incompetence, and corrupt practices from civil servants.
Buhari explained that rather than subject the newly appointed permanent secretaries to written and oral examinations, he adopted a more rigorous selection process.
This process, he said, entailed vigorous screening of their past records, potential and capacity for holding the office as well as integrity, honesty and sense of commitment.
He expressed belief that the new selection technique would have “brought up to light some of the best, dedicated, patriotic and hardworking civil Servants to hold this position of trust.”
The president also said he hoped that the new permanent secretaries’ subsequent conduct and performance would not prove his administration wrong.
He said the responsibilities bestowed on the new permanent secretaries are so enormous that the success or otherwise of the government would largely depend on their competence, ability and capacity to discharge their duties most effectively and efficiently.
According to him, while permanent secretaries are the chief advisers to their respective ministers; not only are they responsible for safeguarding public funds and ensuring the propriety of expenditures under their control, but they are also responsible for coordinating their respective bureaucracies as well as ensuring effective implementation of all approved government programmes and policies.
The president said his administration and the civil service could thus develop a constructive partnership in charting a course for the change Nigerians were looking forward to.
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