News
Why I’m Reforming State Civil Service …Unveils UN Office In PH –Amaechi
Governor Chibuike Amaechi has explained reasons behind the
new restructuring in the state civil service, while hinting of plans to enforce
stricter measures in the preparation of 2013 budget.
Speaking at a three weeks training schedule for Ministries,
Departments and Agencies(MDAs) on budget planning, implementation and
Monitoring System organised by the State Ministry of Budget and Economic
Planning on Monday in Port Harcourt ,Governor Amaechi said the new civil
service policy would make room for creativity and innovation.
He declared,” Government would restructure the Civil
Service, and that is to say, all Directors and Permanent Secretaries who have
served for eight years in either of the positions must be retired, and his or
her pension paid to pension board ‘’.
He added,” by the time we begin to retire the old Permanent
Secretaries and Directors, the new ones would come and learn computer
techniques.’’
The Governor who further responded to questions by some of
the participants argued that the aim of the policy was to create a vibrant and
knowledge driven civil service adding,’’ from henceforth any promotion in the
civil service would be based on ICT proficiency…at least a basic knowledge of
computer while the Senior Officers must have an advanced knowledge’’.
Amaechi also hinted that the same compulsory ICT knowledge
would be enforced among the teachers since government was poised to promote ICT
in the new model schools.
Meanwhile, Governor Amaechi has hinted of plans to ensure
stricter measures in the planning and implementation of next year budget.
‘’ The key to the 2013 budget is that it must be scientific’’
Amaechi remarked,’’ to achieve government policies and programmes, and I would
also demand a statistical breakdown of the budgetary demands by the MDAs to
assess our spending.’’
He stated that as part of the budget making process, all
civil servants must be computer literate and must display the ability to draw
up programmes relating to policy of their Ministries, Departments and Agencies,
“ Iam disappointed that there is low compliance of ICT by
civil servants, and we have not achieved success in training workers to be ICT
compliant,’’ he further said.
Against this backdrop, he assured that his administration
would include the acquisition of computers as well as its distribution to the
different Ministries and Parastatals as part of next years budget.
Speaking earlier, Commissioner for Budget and Economic
Planning, Mr. Levi Gogo Charles described the workshop as an instrument of
understanding the effectiveness of the 2013 budget preparation to achieve the
desired objectives of the current administration.
Gogo Charles assured that the workshop would school
participants in the best principles on how to adnvance the welfare of the
citizenry for a balanceed, transparent and focused budget for 2013 to 2015
planning circle on the medium term expenditure framework.
So far, he said the Governor Amaechi administration has
recorded tremendous success in the areas of health, education, road, power
through accurate appropriation policies.
Meanwhile, Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi
has unveiled a new United Nations(UN) liaison office in Port Harcourt, while
calling for the presence of more international bodies in the state.
Speaking at a special event yesterday to unveil the office,
the Rivers State governor said the presence of more international bodies would
facilitate the objectives of the UN and ensure proper planning that would
promote good governance and better the lots of Rivers people.
“ Although proper planning is an issue in the country’’
Amaechi said, “ there is need for the office to ensure proper planning of
functional structures and institutions to promote good governance and better
the welfare of the people’’.
He commended the efforts of the international body in siting
its office in the state despite the challenges attached with the Niger Delta
agitation, as he pledged the partnership of the state government in ensuring
that activities of the UN bring about the desired development and improved
standard of living of the people.
The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has begun the celebration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary with a Juma’at service where prayers were offered for the progress of the state and Nigeria.
Governor Fubara, who advocated for peace and unity of Nigeria during the prayers on Friday at the Rivers State Central Mosque, Port Harcourt, indicated that without peace, the accelerated development of Nigeria will remain in a limbo.
Governor Fubara, who was represented by Alhaji Abdurrazaq Diepriye, therefore urged citizens to remain patriotic.
According to him, “Allah has brought us this far. Without peace, we can not have progress and economic development. I call on all citizens irrespective of creed or tribe to remain patriotic.”
He thanked President Bola Tinubu for restoring peace in Rivers State while also using the forum to appreciate security agencies for their relentless effort in upholding the peace and unity of Rivers State and Nigeria.
The Chief Imam of Rivers State Central Mosque, Imam Ibrahim Yaloo, admonished Moslem faithful to always speak the truth, adding that those who obey Allah will be directed to good deeds and their sins forgiven.
Prayers were offered for Rivers State and Nigeria.
Other activities to mark the 65th Independence anniversary in the state include an Inter-denominational Church Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, 28th September and Parade Ceremony on Wednesday, 1st October.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima departed New York on Sunday after representing President Bola Tinubu at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
In a statement released on Sunday by the VP media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President is now headed to Germany, where he will hold strategic meetings with officials of Deutsche Bank.
The statement read, “Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed New York, United States, after successfully representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
“During his participation at UNGA 80, VP Shettima secured UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ commendation for Nigeria’s bid for a permanent UN Security Council seat.
“He also showcased Nigeria’s $200 billion energy transition opportunity to global investors and strengthened strategic partnerships with the UK on trade, defence, and migration issues.”
Nkwocha added that the VP delivered Tinubu’s national statement, calling for UN reforms and a permanent seat for Nigeria at the UN Security Council, and “demanded Africa’s control over its $700 billion mineral wealth, and digital inclusion initiatives.”
“He also engaged with the Gates Foundation on healthcare and education expansion, positioning Nigeria as the natural hub for the African Continental Free Trade Area’s $3.4 trillion market.
“VP Shettima was seen off at John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York, by cabinet Ministers who were part of the UNGA 80 delegation and Nigerian Mission officials.”
The aide noted that Shettima will return to Nigeria immediately after his engagements in Germany.
The Tide source recalls that the VP departed Abuja, yesterday.
He led other Nigerian officials at the Assembly.
As part of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary celebration, the Federal Government held a special thanksgiving service on Sunday at the National Ecumenical Centre in Abuja to offer prayers and give thanks for the nation.
The event drew top government officials and security chiefs, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, as well as their spouses.
Other notable guests included Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Wale Edun, former Plateau State Governor, Senator Simon Lalong, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, who led the service chiefs in attendance.
Service chiefs present included the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral Emmanuel Ogala, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Mrs Kemi Nandap and Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Nwakuche, among others.00
The service came days after the government unveiled the official theme and some of the activities slated for the 2025 Independence celebrations.
This year’s anniversary is tagged “Nigeria @ 65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation,” as announced by the Director of Information and Public Relations at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Segun Imohiosen, in a statement on Wednesday.
“As part of activities to mark the 65th Independence Anniversary, the Juma’at Prayer and the Inter-Denominational Church Service will be held on Friday, 26th September at 1 pm and Sunday, 28th September at 10 am respectively, as well as the World Press Conference on Monday, 29th September at 10 am,” he said.
The Tide source had earlier reported that President Bola Tinubu, alongside former Heads of State, Yakubu Gowon, Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, is expected as a special guest at a national discourse convened by the Island Club, Lagos, to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.
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