Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, the governor of Bauchi State, cautioned his new commissioners and other political appointees against embezzling public monies on Thursday, asking them to show outstanding leadership and diligence in the administration of government operations.
The governor issued the warning while swearing in 21 new commissioners, a new Secretary to the State Government (SSG), a new Chief of Staff (CoS), a new Deputy Chief of Staff, and a new Private Principal Secretary to the State Executive Council (SEC) (PPS).
In his brief remarks shortly after the new appointees took their oaths of office and allegiance, which was administered on them by the state Chief Judge, Justice Rabiu Talatu, Governor Mohammed warned them against indolence and the urge to embezzle public funds.
He charged them not only to exhibit exemplary leadership but also to be diligent in running government affairs and be good ambassadors of their various constituencies.
“You must live above board by bringing in your wealth of knowledge and experience into play in order to accelerate the developmental efforts of the administration as time is fast running and the wheels of progress must not slow down.
“I must also remind you that you owe your various constituencies of positive representation in government because you are expected to serve as ambassadors of your people and let them know what we are doing for their well being,” Mohammed told them.
He also advised them to be prudent in the management of limited resources, especially in view of lean resources available to the state.
While advising them to be fair to all Bauchi residents, irrespective of tribe, religion or political leanings, the governor informed the new commissioners and others that they were chosen on merit.
He disclosed that he took time to reassemble the cabinet with a view to not making mistakes ahead of 2023 in order not to lose a second term.
“I took my time to reassemble this cabinet in order not to make mistakes because 2023 is fast approaching. Therefore, we need to consolidate our political grip so that we can easily get a second term to serve the people of the state,” he said.
According to him, winning elections was all about carrying people along with project execution.
He then assured that his administration would continue to embark on projects and programmes that would structurally develop the state to an enviable status in the country, adding that he would work with the appointees for progress.
Governor Mohammed then urged the appointees to cultivate a smooth working relationship with the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led legislative arm of government in the state, saying that his administration is working in collaboration with the lawmakers.
“I want you to work closely with members of the state House of Assembly because they are my bosses. We are working in collaboration for the good of the state. Respect them and relate with them well. Anything short of this will bring about rancour between us, which will slow us down,” he warned.
Governor Mohammed, however, wished the appointees well in their official duties and admonished them not to betray the trust and confidence reprised on them.
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