EBONYI State civil servants aspiring to be permanent secretaries may have to write a series of examinations to evaluate their competence in handling sensitive positions. David Nweze Umahi, governor of the state, on Thursday directed Chamberlain Nwele, head of service, to conduct the examination.

Umahi, in a statement on Saturday by Emma Anya, his chief press secretary, explained that the tests would help the government to select the best hands to drive its developmental policies.

The governor spoke after the ministries and some departments in the state made live television and radio presentations of the activities in the past two years at the Abakaliki Township Stadium.

Umahi stated that each of the 13 local government areas in the state would produce a permanent secretary to ensure equity in the appointment of civil servants.

His words, “I want to ask head of Service to go ahead with a committee to set written examination for all those that want to be permanent secretaries. They have to write the exam and you will mark it and the best in each LGA will emerge as permanent secretary. There will be no lobbying for it. It has to be the best person who has the vision of his ministry. The aspirants will go through about three different kinds of tests. They will not be tested by only one body.”

He observed that there was poor attendance of civil servants at the event, stating “It is  very unfortunate that  many  civil servants are not here. Next time we do it, all the civil servants will come and stand behind their commissioners to do your presentations,” he said.

The governor, who applauded the Commissioners for their efforts to deliver in their mandate, pointed out that it was important for the public to know the extent of their achievements.

In her presentation, Euphemia Nwali, commissioner for Water Resources, assured the people of the state that the ministry would commence pumping of water from Oferekpe water scheme to Abakaliki capital city next month.

On his part, Fidelis Nweze, commissioner for Works and Transport, said that construction work on Nkalagu-Umuhuali-Ehamufu road would be completed and inaugurated before the end of this year.

Other members of the state executive council, including Prof. Benard Odoh, secretary to the state government, reiterated their commitment to make life more meaningful to Ebonyi people through their service.

—  May 29, 2017 @ 10:10 GMT