Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, has vowed to monitor the presence of commissioners and permanent secretaries at their offices, noting that his administration would ensure maximum functionality of the secretariat.

Zulum said this while speaking shortly after the swearing-in of commissioners and a permanent secretary at the renovated International Conference Hall of the State Secretariat on Monday.

The Chief Judge of Borno State, Justice Kashim Zannah, who was represented by a High Court Judge, Justice Fadawu Umaru, administered oaths on the appointees.

The governor said he purposely directed that the swearing-in be held at the secretariat so as to remind public office holders of the importance of the secretariat and the need to make it functional.

Zulum further recalled that he showed up last week unannounced and inspected offices at about 8am at the secretariat and to his dismay, few officials were on their seats.

The governor has since 2019 been operating an office annex at the secretariat, often appearing unannounced.

Governor Zulum, however, urged the commissioners to set examples for staff of their ministries by reporting to work punctually.

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He equally enjoined them to ensure all staff of their respective ministries were given functional opportunities rather than concentrating responsibilities to few senior officials like the PermSec and directors whereas many others were left redundant.

The governor further directed the Secretary to the State Government and the Head of Service to ensure the provision of stable electricity, security, and other essential needs that should make offices comfortable for public office holders to work effectively.

On his part, the SSG, Usman Jidda Shuwa, highlighted key achievements recorded by the Zulum administration in the last three years, noting that the appointment of commissioners would set a renewed commitment for more projects and programmes in line with the governor’s transformative vision.

Speaking on behalf of the sworn-in commissioners and PermSec, Borno State’s Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Barrister Kaka Shehu Lawan, assured Governor Zulum that they would give him good results.

Lawan, however, thanked Zulum for finding all of them worthy just as he expressed his appreciation to the SSG, Head of Service, APC leaders, and other stakeholders, traditional rulers, elders, and members of the state security council for their various roles in making government functional.

The swearing-in ceremony was attended by Sen. Mohammed Ali Ndume, the Speaker, Borno State House of Assembly, Abdulkarim Lawan; and legislators, the SSG, Usman Jidda Shuwa; Head of Service, Barrister Simon Malgwi; Chief of Staff, Prof. Isa Hussaini Marte; the Shehu of Dikwa, special advisers and assistants, permanent secretaries, and directors among other government officials.

The Star