Former Niger state SSG advocate for appointment of retired permanent secretary as SSG
The immediate past Secretary to the Niger state Government, (SSG), Alhaji Ahmed Ibrahim Matane, has advised the new governor of the state, Hon. Mohammed Umar Bago to appoint a retired permanent secretary as the Secretary to the state Government.
He gave the advised during a farewell sendforth organised for him by the Permanent Secretaries and staff of the office of the SSG at the SSG office in Minna.
Matane explained that the office of the SSG required a public servant that was well grounded that understand the dynamics of public service and has a good background and pedigree to pilot the affairs of the office of the office.
“Knowing the importance and the work of the SSG office as the engine room that coordinates that coordinate the affairs of government, you will know that the office requires a public servant that is well grounded that understands the dynamics of public service.
“But if you bring somebody from outside who does not understand how a department or ministry works, it becomes difficult,” he said.
He said that the SSG must be someone understands how to coordinate all activities of government and drive government policies and programmes as well as understand how Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) works.
The former SSG also advocated that the appointment of permanent secretaries should be based on merit, adding that lobbying for the position of permanent secretaries was against the public service rules.
He appreciated the permanent secretaries and staff of the SSG office for the farewell sendforth and thanked them for the support to him for that made the office to function effectively.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, General Services, Alhaji Musa Rogo Ibrahim, described the former SSG as a teacher and guardian who gave the permanent secretaries under his office and staff a free hand to operate.
“The former SSG is the only person in the state that allow his permanent secretaries to operate at free will, we will miss his openness, simplicity and open door policy and his accessibility,” he said.
He added that through the former SSG, the office of the SSG witnessed tremendous reform and development which impacted to the development and progress of the state through adequate coordination of MDAs.
Special Guest of Honour at the Farewell sendforth, Alhaji Ahmed Gunna, and Emir of Kagara, who was represented by Dr Chindo Bisallah, described Matane as someone who stood for and protected many people, adding that his wise counsel would be greatly missed.
Some permanent secretaries and staff while sharing their testimonies about the former SSG, Alhaji Abubakar Balarabe, Permanent Secretary Economy Affairs, Baba Wachiko and Prof. Mustapha Zubairu, described Matane as a hardworking diploma and an achiever that contributed to the growth and development of the state.
