Patience Jonathan, 18 others sworn-in as permsecs

The appointment of Dame Patience Jonathan generated heated controversy since its announcement one week ago.   Governor Henry Dickson, who administered the oath of office on the new appointees at the Government House, Yenagoa, charged them to steer clear of partisan politics in the discharge of their responsibilities. Weekly Trust findings show that the first […]

The appointment of Dame Patience Jonathan generated heated controversy since its announcement one week ago.

 

Governor Henry Dickson, who administered the oath of office on the new appointees at the Government House, Yenagoa, charged them to steer clear of partisan politics in the discharge of their responsibilities.

Weekly Trust findings show that the first lady who was physically present at the ceremony transferred her services from Rivers State Ministry of Education to Bayelsa State in 1999 when her husband Goodluck Jonathan became the deputy governor. She has been on leave of absence in the last 13 years.

The governor explained that the appointment of the country’s first lady as Permanent Secretary was in recognition of the significant contributions she has made to humanity both within and outside the country. He listed the roles to include the President African First Ladies Peace Mission and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador including Women for change Initiative among others.

Dickson further remarked that the appointment of Mrs. Jonathan as Permanent Secretary was a clear demonstration of his administration’s resolve to project merit above every other consideration.

Responding on behalf of the newly sworn-in Permanent Secretaries, the wife of the President assured the Governor of their resolve to deploy their collective expertise and experience to bear on the Public Service of the state.

The First Lady also expressed gratitude to the Governor for finding them worthy to be appointed Permanent Secretaries in the state, adding that they would do everything possible to justify the confidence reposed in them by ensuring that the dividends of democracy and good governance are delivered to Bayelsans.

Others sworn in as permanent secretaries are: Mr J E Oye, Samson Franco Ayebadomo, Mrs Anthonia Koroye, Mr Ziwari Billy, Buruboyefe John, Dikuro Ayebanuah, Mr Serge Williams, and Ozu Tomo Kuruom.

The rest are, Izein G. I. A, Mrs Philomena Aladei, Dr Omietimi Kojo, Philip Izonebi Ere, Otuogha Mathias, Mr James Clinton, Mrs LinnetTebepah, Moses Teibowei, Dr F A Samayin and Vivian Odiowei.