We have just witnessed the oath taking by the newly appointed Secretary to the State Government Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa. I consider this initiative as a major step in our determination to assemble a crop of dedicated men and women who will execute the policies and programmes of this administration.

2. There is no doubt that the Office of the Secretary to the State Government is very pivotal in any administration. The occupant of the post must be just, outstanding, resourceful, versatile and more importantly a team player. I have no doubt, whatsoever about the capacity of Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa. Given his track record, I am optimistic that he will not only be on top of his job as the Secretary to the State Government but would also bring his rich experience to bear on his new exalted office.

3. On behalf of myself, the Government and People of Delta State, and not forgetting our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party of Nigeria; I heartily congratulate my brother and friend, Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, on his well-deserved appointment. It is my sincere hope that you will justify the confidence reposed in you through this recognition.

4. Let me say that in constituting our administration, due cognizance will be given to loyalty and service to our great party, the need to run an inclusive government, but above all, merit and competence will be very high in our consideration. Without mincing words, very many Deltans have these attributes, but we must bear in mind that there can only be one occupant for any office at any point in time. I therefore wish to crave the understanding and support of all Deltans, so that collectively, we can support this administration from whatever perspective, it pleases God to have us play any role.

5. So far, I am overwhelmed and appreciative of the goodwill and love, which Deltans at home and abroad have displayed towards us, since we embarked on this mission to serve our people. The same level of support has also been extended to my distinguished Deputy, His Excellency, Professor Amos Agbe Utuama, SAN. We are both determined not to disappoint Deltans. We hope to reciprocate this favourable disposition towards us through dedicated service to the state.

6. This administration is committed to the practical application of the principles of equity, justice and fairness. Consequently, no section of the state shall be left out in our appointments and developmental efforts. We shall, however, not loose sight of the sensitivity of certain jobs and the need to recognize professionalism in making certain placements.

7. Ladies and Gentlemen, one of the very first actions, we took shortly after our electoral victory was to set up a 34-member Transition Committee, under the Chairmanship of General Alex Ogomudia, (rtd). The committee has since completed the assignment and submitted its report. This administration intends to give very active consideration to the contents of the recommendation of that committee.

8. After a very sober soul searching, I have no doubt in my mind that the size of government must be kept manageable and that we need to be more frugal in our expenditure so that many more of our people can benefit from the system. Let me, however, assure all Deltans that in working towards the attainment of this goal, we shall be discreet and humane.

9. Ladies and Gentlemen, no administration can work and achieve results without an effective public service. I therefore use this opportunity to thank the public service for its contributions so far. Nevertheless, I urge them to re-double their efforts to meet with our goals and objectives. Public servants must see themselves as important stakeholders in this administration. I assure them that efforts will continue to be made to provide a conducive environment, for public officers to carry out their duties.

10. I wish to state that this administration expects greater efficiency and dedication to duty on the part of public officers. Our actions must be driven by the desire for greater efficiency, speed and effectiveness. This Administration will have zero tolerance for late coming and other acts of indiscipline which slow down the pace of work in the public service.

11. It is pertinent for me to acknowledge the support, which I received as Secretary to the State Government from the staff of the Office of the Secretary to the State Government during my tenure as SSG. For this, I can never thank you enough. It is my sincere hope that you will extend the same level of support to the new Secretary to the State Government. I also invite all other public servants and, in particular, the higher civil service and all other arms of Government to co-operate with the Office of the Secretary to the State Government in order to improve on the quality of service delivery to our people and State.

12. As the Secretary to the State Government you have to ensure that there are no unnecessary bottlenecks in your office. You must guarantee that the job flow is at a reasonable and acceptable speed. In other words, as Secretary to the State Government, timeliness must be your watchword. Time frame should be fixed for the accomplishment of specific jobs in your office. I hope that all Ministries and Extra-ministerial departments will also inculcate these values in their staff.

13. Finally, I implore you to provide the required leadership-in-office as well as be frank and honest as the Chief Adviser to government in all matters that will be brought before you. You have a responsibility to monitor and ensure that loopholes in the system are plugged, while accountability and transparency are enthroned as rewardable values.

14. I salute the immediate past Secretary to the State Government, Barrister Ovie Omo-Agege who in spite of his brief tenure played a very important role as the man on the spot to midwife the transition programme in the state. I thank him for his support and contributions and wish him all the best in his future endeavours.

15. Once again, I heartily congratulate Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa on his appointment as the Secretary to the State Government of Delta State. May God give you the strength and wisdom to continue to serve with honour and to the best of your abilities. Congratulations!

16. Thank you and God bless.

Office of the Governor,
Government House,
Asaba.

June 2007