Gov. Aiyedatiwa swears in new commissioners for Civil Service Commission

By Precious Oluwole

Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa on Wednesday, swore in the new commissioners of the State’s Civil Service Commission.

The new Commissioners are; Mr Matthew Imoru, Mr Sunday Agbotoba and Barr. Iwabi Akpoebi.

It would be recalled that the Ondo state House of Assembly confirmed the appointment of the three last week at a plenary presided over by the of the House.

In his address, Governor Aiyedatiwa stated that the appointment of these distinguished and well-qualified bureaucrats is in accordance with Section 197 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).

According to him, the Civil Service Commission is responsible for creating and executing personnel policies and directives, whilst setting up general and uniform guidelines for appointment, promotion and discipline of civil servants.

“In Ondo State, the Civil Service Commission has, no doubt, been able to promote high moral values, efficiency, responsiveness and integrity in our Civil Service system.

The Governor assured that his administration will continue to promote transparency, excellence and
dignity in the discharge of our constitutional powers of appointment in the overall interest of the State. All of these are geared towards enhancing the State’s development trajectory.

“Our Administration knows the critical relevance of the State Civil Service in the delivery of its mandate to the good people of the Sunshine State. We know for sure that no government can rise higher than the altitude of its bureaucracy. Public Service, being the engine room of government must at all times, live true to its traditional roles in order to facilitate the accomplishment of government projects, policies and programmes.

“The prompt swearing-in of new members of the Commission today is to ensure that no lacuna is created in the operations of the Civil Service Commission to the detriment of our dear civil servants. We would continue to do all that is practicable within the limits of our resources to
motivate our public servants for greater commitment and efficiency”.

The Governor charged the new Commissioners to put the interest of the State first in the performance of their constitutional responsibility and be fair-minded at all times. “You should help to raise a virile bureaucracy that is result-oriented and driven by professionalism. You have been carefully selected as veteran bureaucrats who can help impact positively on the Service. I will not expect anything less.

“You should ensure that in adhering to the principle of State Character, you do not sacrifice merit. You must be dedicated, up and doing and focused in the discharge of the duties and responsibilities expected of your Office. Let our Civil Service Commission be known for its pride – fairness, justice, equity and transparency”.

The Governor expressed his gratitude to the members of Ondo State House of Assembly under the leadership of the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji for the speedy screening and confirmation of the nominees, describing it as a testament of the abiding faith, mutual trust and good working relationship between the Executive and Legislative Arms of government in Ondo State.

Governor Aiyedatiwa reiterated his regular charge to public servants not to be directly or remotely connected with anything that can bring the government into disrepute or jeopardise the sanctity of the State Civil Service. “You must be good ambassadors in or out of office environment”.

The Governor wished the new Civil Service Commissioners a remarkable tenure as they commence your official duty.

The newly filled positions became available following the expiration of the tenures of three commissioners on June 13, 2024. Governor Aiyedatiwa expressed his gratitude to the outgoing members, Chief Joel Magi, Mr. Isaac Itiola, and Hon. Rotimi Okeowo, for their five years of dedicated service.

Speaking on behalf of other newly appointed Commissioners of the Civil Service Commission, Mr Matthew Imoru, appreciated the Governor for the opportunity given to them to serve the State, pledging to carry out their duties diligently,

In attendance were; The Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami, Secretary to the State government, Hon. Tayo Oluwatuyi, Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa, Head of Service, Mr Bayo Philip, members of the State House of Assembly led by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, Special Advisers, members of the State executive council.