PDP raises concern over appointment of permanent secretaries in Gombe
The Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), Gombe State Chapter, has faulted the recent appointment of permanent secretaries by Gov Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State.
This is contained in a press statement issued in Gombe on Tuesday by Mr Abdulkadir Dukku, the party’s State Publicity Secretary.
Dukku said that the party acknowledged the constitutional authority of Yahaya to appoint permanent secretaries under Section 208 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
According to him, the exercise of that authority should, however be guided by due process, merit, and the applicable Public Service Rules and other extant administrative regulations.
He stated that the PDP expressed concerns by reports that some long serving and qualified career officers were overlooked, while others reportedly drawn from institutions of higher learning and non-scheduled
services were appointed as permanent secretaries.
“The party does not contend that persons from outside the established career structure are automatically disqualified.
“However, where such appointments are made, the Government should clearly explain the legal and administrative basis, eligibility requirements, and procedures through which the affected persons entered the State Public Service and became eligible for appointment to
the position of permanent secretaries.”
The PDP publicity secretary called on the Gombe State government to disclose the broad criteria and procedures used in selecting the 19 permanent secretaries.
He further urged the state government to review any appointment where credible evidence of nepotism, favouritism, conflict of interest, or procedural irregularity was discovered.
