By Segun Adewale in Bauchi
Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdukadir Mohammed has inaugurated 17 new permanent secretaries, with a warning on them to avoid corruption, any form of financial impropriety or abuse of office.
The oaths of allegiance and office were administered by the State Chief Judge, Justice Rabi Talatu Umar, during a ceremony held at the recently refurbished Old Banquet Hall of the Government House on Wednesday, 18 March, 2026.
Addressing the newly sworn-in Permanent Secretaries, the Governor warned: “This administration will not tolerate corruption in any form. We will not condone financial impropriety in any form; it will not be business as usual. The course of workers must be protected, no abuse of office, or any act of corruption at any level of government in the state.”
Governor Bala Mohammed who warned that his administration would not tolerate any form of financial impropriety or abuse of office,called on the Permanent Secretaries to resist temptations to compromise their integrity and to be loyal to the government.
The Governor described the appointment of the new permanent secretaries as beginning of a new phase in his administration, with the Permanent Secretaries expected to play a crucial role in driving the government’s agenda and improving the lives of the people.
The Governor emphasized the importance of the occasion, stating that it was not just a ceremony but a declaration of commitment to strengthening the government and ensuring the efficient functioning of the local government council.
He commended the dedication and loyalty of the permanent secretaries, acknowledging their invaluable contribution to the development of the state.
Governor Bala Mohammed stressed the need for the institution to fight corruption and emphasized that the appointment and evaluation of senior government officials would be based on merit, inclusiveness, and secularism.
He expressed confidence in the abilities of the newly sworn-in permanent secretaries, citing their competence, discipline, and integrity.
According to him: “On this occasion, it is not merely a ceremony, but a declaration of our collective commitment to strengthen the government, give the civil service institution capacity, and ensure its efficient and effective functioning in the best interest of our people.”
He emphasised: “Let me stress the importance of the institution’s fight against corruption, the ground-based system, the appointment, and the evaluation and elevation of senior government officials.”
The Governor further stated: “While we remain mindful of the need for our plans, inclusiveness, and the application of secularism, we have remained guided by overriding principles. For the past five years, I have ensured that some of the persons I engage with have the experience and deserve the confidence of the state.”
Bala Mohammed added, “My experience, guided by law, statute, and attachment, has been included in this institution. I believe in humanity and sincerity. I want you to know today that all these appointees have been tested and have passed all required competitive examinations.”
He stated: “They are distinct mentors with full competence, discipline, and integrity. Their knowledge is therefore the product of hard work, proven capacity, and ability. This is the standard we accept, the standard we have continued to uphold, and the standard for the future of our team.”
“However, this also marks the beginning of a new and more demanding phase of their service. They are now the accounting officers of their respective ministries, departments, and agencies. They are the custodians of public resources and the drivers of administrative processes. More importantly, they are the bridge between policy formulation and policy implementation,” he added.
According to the Governor: “Government policies, no matter how well conceived, will remain mere intentions unless translated into concrete action and measurable outcomes. That is the purpose. You are there, well equipped to provide sound, vocational, and timely advice to ensure that objectives are implemented efficiently and that the institution is well prepared.”
He stressed, “Establishment rules and regulations exist for this reason. There is no doubt that our system is intended to drive the objectives of this administration: to improve service delivery, in selfless service, prudent governance, fair and consistent distribution of resources among our people, and adherence to best global practices in public service.”
“Let me now summarise what I have said. We must build departments of intelligence and security services. Every indication is important. No person is immune to weakness. No person is immune to financial challenges. How you respond depends on your approach,” he added.
The Governor reassured that by the time his tenure ends in May 2027, no arrears of gratuity for any retirees will be left unpaid.
On his part, the Chief of Staff,Dr. Aminu Gamawa urged the permanent secretaries to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, noting that they were now custodians of public resources and drivers of administrative processes.
He emphasized the need for them to provide sound advice, ensure effective implementation of government policies, and improve service delivery.
One of the new Permanent Secretaries, Sabiu Barau Ningi, responded on behalf of the others, commending the Governor for approving their appointments despite there being many others equally qualified.
He assured that they would do their best to advance the civil service by ensuring effective and efficient service delivery
The event was attended by dignitaries, including the Chief of Staff, Head of Service, Principal Secretary, members of the National Assembly, and other officials.
