Governor Of Delta State Sheriff Oborevwori, has charged civil servants in the state not to lobby for appointments or promotion in the course of their careers.
The Governor disclosed this on Wednesday during a valedictory lecture organised in honour of the outgoing Permanent Secretary in charge of Government House Affairs, Directorate Government House and Protocol, Sir Edwin Ogidi-Gbegbaje, at the Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba.
Represented by the Commissioner for Works (Rural and Riverine Roads), Charles Aniagwu, said civil servants should not put needless pressure on those in positions of authority to get appointments or be promoted.
According to the Governor, they should be patient and do their job in such a way that their performance would speak for them, saying that lobbying for appointments or promotion was not a good option to adopt.
Oborevwori described Sir Ogidi-Gbegbaje as an affable, easy going, selfless, energetic and committed civil servant, pointing out that during the short period that he worked with him as Permanent Secretary, Government House, all administrative works were seamlessly handled.
“During the short period that he worked with me as Permanent Secretary, Government House, all administrative works were seamlessly handled.
“I never had complaints over his handling of intricate, and sometimes, sensitive, issues in the Government House. He has also mastered the job like it was a subject that he assiduously studied in school.
“The high point of his service is the judicious counsel that comes with every service that he rendered.
“As he bows out, his dignified and simple manner of carrying out all his responsibilities, coupled with his frequent offer of advice on how best an administrative process and procedure should be carried out would be dearly missed.
“Sir Eddy’s performance and attendant rise poses a great challenge to officers, high and low, who are still in the service.
“I urge all of you to learn the enviable etiquette and good mannerisms of the outgoing Permanent Secretary.
“I, therefore, urge every civil servant, in fact, every public officer, to render service selflessly. Every appointment is people-centred. You should always endeavour to bring yourself to the level of the people you serve.
“That way, you will initiate positive communication between you and members of the public who you are appointed to serve.
“Sir Ogidi-Gbegbaje, you have successfully raised the stake in high level performance and human relations. I sincerely hope that you have brought up officers in all the levels you passed who have copied these attributes because it will be to the credit of the civil service that you are leaving behind.
“Dear Sir Ogidi-Gbegbaje, you are retiring but obviously not tired. Do not hesitate to answer our call when we need your services,” the governor said.
Responding, Sir Ogidi-Gbegbaje, who was highly elated, thanked Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, past governors James Ibori, Emmanuel Uduaghan and the immediate past Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for their confidence in the state civil service.
Gbegbaje, who was full of gratitude to God for the opportunity given to him serve and retire from service in good health, harped on the need for the service to encourage officers through training (both in-house and outside) so as to give them the unique opportunity to contribute their quota to the growth of the service.
