Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa has sworn in Dr. Wisdom Sawyer as the state’s 12th Head of Service.
Sawyer, 55, was appointed on tuesday following the retirement of his predecessor, Mrs Biobelemoye Charles-Onyema, on August 31. During the 172nd state executive council meeting at the Government House, Yenagoa, Diri also swore in two special advisers on legal matters, Dr. Alabo Ozubide and Inemo Oruebimiekumo.
The governor, who charged the new Head of Service to exhibit a high sense of professionalism and ensure that the civil service remains loyal and disciplined, explained that Sawyer was appointed on merit. He also said Sawyer was chosen based on integrity and as the most senior permanent secretary, not on any other considerations.
“You were appointed as Head of Service not because you are from the governor’s Local Government Area but that you have proven to be a man of integrity. Also, among your peers, you are the most senior.
“There are some who are qualified by several other parameters but their dates of retirement are just one or two years left and l do not want to appoint another HoS before l leave office. Having gone through your resume, clearly you will outlive my administration the way l inherited your predecessor,” Diri said.
The governor appreciated the immediate past HoS, who he noted discharged her duties with utmost responsibility, describing her as among the finest in the civil service.
He directed the new HoS to ensure the redeployment of all staff of the state Pensions Board, including heads of departments, and that new postings be done.
“You are hereby directed to post out every civil servant in our Pensions Board, including those coming from the Ministry of Finance, from the Accountant General’s Office and all the heads of departments. New postings should be done and ensure that men and women of integrity are posted there. A report should be sent back to me.” the governor said.
Diri equally charged the two Special Advisers to display the highest standards of integrity in the performance of their duties and continue to create synergy with the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice.
