Governor Alia Charges New Permanent Secretaries to Uphold Integrity and Discipline
Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has sworn in eleven new permanent secretaries, urging them to remain non-partisan and uphold the highest standards in their duties. The ceremony, held on Tuesday at the Benue State Government House in Makurdi, marked a significant step in the state’s administrative leadership.
Governor Alia emphasized that the selection process for the new permanent secretaries was thorough and based on merit, highlighting that experience, integrity, and a proven track record of service were key factors in their appointment. “We took our time to search carefully and conducted due diligence to arrive at these thirteen officers,” he said. “We consulted widely to ensure that their appointments were based on merit. They are civil servants with cognate experience, proven integrity, and an exemplary track record of service.”
Alia also tasked the new appointees, who will head various ministries, with ensuring that their staff adhere to the codes of the civil service and fostering a culture of discipline and respect for constituted authorities. He stressed that the appointments were not political but were rewards for hard work and dedication.
The governor issued a strong warning to the new permanent secretaries, cautioning that any form of misconduct or actions that could damage the reputation of his administration would not be tolerated. “Our eyes would be placed on you—not to police you, but to ensure that you do the right things all the time,” Alia declared. “Anyone found culpable of any misconduct or anything that tarnishes the image of this government will face appropriate sanctions.”
The new permanent secretaries are Dr. Elvis Ogenyi, Mr. Cephas Hough, Mrs. Bibiana A. Tyoishi, Dr. Philip Nongu, Mrs. Martha Edor, Sir James Iorpuu, Mr. Batholomew Geraga, Mrs. Eunice Ihu Ogbenyi, Barr. Thomas Ese, Debbie M. Amine Esq, Engr. Donald K. Wakwagh, Mrs. Helen Nembativ, and Ogaagbenu Elijah Agweye.
