Vice President Kashim Shettima has said it is essential to exercise discretion in both public and private lives to avoid actions that could tarnish the reputation of government.
The Vice President made the statement yesterday at the opening ceremony of the retreat and sensitization programme for political aides on administrative procedure and governance in the public sector.
According to a statement by his media office, the sensitisation programme is being organised by the State House in conjunction with Direct Knowledge Consult Ltd., and it will hold from 4th – 22nd September, at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Abuja.
According to the Vice President, “from today, your words and actions will undergo more intense scrutiny, occasionally even rigorous criticism.”
Speaking to participants which includes political aides and senior civil servants on the topic “Forging a Path to Responsible Governance: A Call to Political Aides”, Vice President Shettima told the participants that “the responsibility you carry isn’t merely about fulfilling your role; it encompasses the aspirations of our entire nation.”
He pointed out that the “retreat is designed to facilitate your transition and equip you with the fundamental tenets of public sector administration and governance. “
Restating the vision of President Tinubu’s government, Shettima said “Our mission too is clear: to uplift the lives of our citizens impartially and inspire lasting change.”
“Leadership, for us, means breaking down barriers of inequality and fostering a safe, peaceful society. To truly expand educational opportunities and empower our youth with knowledge for self-reliance, we must fully dedicate ourselves to our duties within the State House,” he emphasized.
The Vice President admonished the participants saying “as many of you take your initial steps into the realm of public service, especially at the federal level, let it be clear that your competence is beyond doubt. You are here because of your formidable skills, and our confidence in your potential to catalyze change. We yearn for fresh and imaginative ideas to harmonize with established practices,” he added.
On the sensitive nature of their roles as political aides, Mr Shettima said “from this very moment, you are bound by the laws of our land in all matters of official correspondence. These laws outline the consequences for both intentional and unintended mishandling of the information entrusted to your care.”
He warned them that “should you falter in this duty, the consequences would ripple far beyond the intricate fabric of governance. They could erode public trust, jeopardize national security, and undermine the very integrity of our administration.
“Understand that your credibility, that of your team, your superiors, and indeed, the entire government, rests in the balance, and history reminds us that very few have emerged unscathed from the aftermath of such ethical lapses,” VP stressed.
The Vice President told the new aids that “the State House is a bastion of order. It’s the engine room of our nation’s public service. Within its precincts, operations pivot upon a hierarchy, wherein each role and position adhere to well-defined protocols and communication procedures.
He then called for synergy and team work, saying their primary instinct should always revolve around the recognition that they are part of a team, united in the pursuit of a shared objective. “There is no need for rivalry. This, precisely, is the essence of your presence here.”
In his welcome address, the permanent secretary for the State House, Engr. Funso Adebiyi said the training was aimed at registering the commitment of the political aides towards actualizing the goals of President Tinubu led administration.
He stated further that participants would be exposed to techniques of information and documents management systems in order to ensure the smooth running of the new administration.
In attendance at the event were the deputy chief of staff to the President, office of the Vice President, Ibrahim Hassan Hadeja; director-general, National Intelligence Agency, Abubakar Rufa’i; representative of the director-general, Directorate of State Services and other senior government officials.
