By Celestine Ihijerika, Jalingo.
Taraba state governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas has revealed that on assumption of office, his administration met a system where civil servants have to depend on contractors for favour.
According to him “when I came, I met a lot of welfare issues where running cost was not there, where it was difficult to even run the office, Civil servants have to depend on contractors to achieve favor, so all we are trying to do here is to see how we can make governance easy, maintaining our integrity and honor, and to be accountable even when we leave office. These are the cornerstones of effective governance, and they must guide every decision we make”. Says the governor.
Agbu Kefas gave the remarks while declaring open a two-day retreat organized by state government for public servants and political office holders under the office of the head of service (HOS) held today in Jalingo, the state capital.
The theme of the retreat “Taraba state, the way forward in a globalizing world” the governor said came with the mantra of moving Taraba forward pointing out that the retreat is crucial and very important as it will help to work out strategy at this moment, reflecting on the roles as public servants and political office holders to shape the future of the state. “we live in an era marked by rapid changes where globalization continues to redefine boundaries, economics and expectation of governance therefore it is imperative that we as leaders and custodians of public trust equip ourselves with the knowledge, skill and vision necessary to navigate these challenges and opportunities that come with them” he added.
Kefas urged participants to remain focused on principles of integrity, accountability and services, stressing it as the only opportunity to think critically about current strategies to share ideas. “let us approach this retreat with an open mind and commitment to excellence, knowing that the progress we achieve here today will have a lasting impact on the lives of our people.
He appreciated the resource persons/senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Kanu Agabi whom he described as not only a close family friend but a lover of Taraba project.
Earlier in an address, the state head of service (HOS) Mr. Paul Maigida Tino hinted in a remark that governor Kefas assumed duty with patriotic zeal to instill discipline and enhance the capacity building of the state public servants and political office holders through numerous retreats both in the state and Abuja.
According to him, public servants and political office holders are very critical tools through which dividends of democracy are delivered to the electorates.
Tino in his appreciation to governor Kefas for numerous support to civil servants, re-iterated the state government commitment and prompt intervention at all times. “as stakeholders, we are aware of our role and responsibilities, let demonstrate a strong commitment to actualize government’s initiative to inculcate an efficient, productive incorruptible culture in the public service” while noted that the retreat showcases huge investment that will build the capacity of the participants to achieve an enduring and sustainable transformation in the state.
