Jonathan Tasks Anyim On Integrity, Accountability

President Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday charged the new Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, to ensure high integrity, accountability and openness in the conduct of government business.

The president gave the charge in his remarks shortly after the swearing-in of Anyim at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

President Jonathan said his government would place priority attention on service to the citizens in his transformation agenda and called on the new

SGF as well as others who would join his team, to commit themselves to the entrenchment of good governance.

“My Distinguished Senator, you are called to serve at a most challenging time. A time that we are determined to transform Nigeria; a time that we are determined to do things differently; a time that we are calling for sacrifice from all public office holders and the private sector; a time we are calling on all Nigerians to stop lamenting and join government to transform our country.

“Ladies and gentlemen, we must alleviate the sufferings of our people; we must create jobs; provide electricity and deliver on our electoral promises. This is the most urgent task before this government.

“Sen. Pius Anyim, the time for transformation has begun. Welcome on board.’’

The president said that Anyim was appointed following a careful selection process that was anchored on high national expectations.

He said the selection process took into cognizance Anyim’s record of public service, his career as a senator, his role as president of the senate and his leadership skills.

He urged Anyim to bring those virtues and experience to bear in the service to the nation and in coordinating the activities of government.

The Office of SGF is charged with the responsibilities of coordinating government policies, ministries, extra-ministerial departments and agencies, including the cabinet office.

President Jonathan also thanked the former SGF, Alhaji Yayale Ahmed, who was present at the event, for his service to the nation.

He said having served the nation as Federal Permanent Secretary, Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Minister of Defence and SGF, Yayale was one of the most experienced public officers the country had produced.

In an interview with State House correspondents shortly after the ceremony, the new SGF said his appointment came as a surprise to him and he would put his wealth of experience to bear in the discharge of his duties.

Present at the event were Vice-President Namadi Sambo, the Acting Chairman of PDP, Dr. Bello Haliru, some members of the National Assembly, led by the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, among other government functionaries.

Meanwhile, Some civil servants in Abuja yesterday, called on President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan to fulfil his campaign promises by addressing electricity and unemployment problems in the country.

The civil servants who spoke with newsmen said that the President should endeavour to tackle the energy crisis, corruption and also effect the payment of the N18,000 minimum wage to workers.

Mr Dike Chimezie, a retired civil servant, said that if electricity problem was addressed, many Nigerians would become self- employed.

He said that this would also enhance the economic growth of the nation.

Chimezie noted that joblessness was the major cause of crimes among youths and urged government to create job opportunities for youths.

“What is worth doing at all, is worth doing well, the election has come and gone, this is the first time we are having free and fair election.

“My expectation is that the government should consider security as paramount.

“Part of what is causing the insecurity in the country is because many youths are not gainfully employed.

“With security and stable electricity, a lot of things will fall in place.

“I have faith in the new government but the most important thing is for President Goodluck Jonathan to appoint good people who will not kill his dream for the nation,” he added.

Mrs Habiba Abubakar, a staff of National Assembly said that no government could succeed without civil servants and youths.

She, however, urged Jonathan to join hands with the legislative arm of government and other key officers to move Nigeria forward.

Abubakar added that the government should provide free education to students and job opportunities for youths.

Mrs Jane Omatola, a civil servant, urged the government to address the problem of high cost of living across the country and high the cost of housing in Abuja.

“The President should make sure that the FCT Minister is compelled to work to ensure that rents are minimised.

“Many Nigerians cannot train their children in school because of the high cost of living.

“Things are expensive in the market, rents are too exorbitant. kerosene is hard to get.

“All these issues are worth addressing before we can say that we have a good democratic government,’’ Omatola said.

President Goodluck Jonathan (right) congratulating the new Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. Anyim Pius Anyim, after swearing him-in, in Abuja, yesterday.