By Chimezie Godfrey
Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State on Monday evening hosted Permanent Secretaries, Executive Secretaries and Directors-General to an Iftar in the spirit of the holy month of Ramadan, where he delivered a stern warning against corruption and indiscipline in the civil service.
The Iftar, held in Sokoto, brought together top bureaucrats and senior government officials in what the governor described as an opportunity for reflection and recommitment to public service values.
Speaking shortly after breaking the fast, Governor Aliyu warned civil servants against all forms of corruption, stressing that his administration maintains zero tolerance for corrupt practices.
“As administrative heads and accounting officers in your respective MDAs, you must always observe prudence, accountability, and transparency in your transactions,” the governor stated.
He emphasized that discipline, transparency and synergy are essential for effective governance and service delivery across ministries, departments and agencies.
“This administration is worker-friendly and remains committed to ensuring effective service delivery,” he added.
The governor further charged the senior officials to operate strictly in line with civil service rules and regulations while carrying their subordinates along in the discharge of their duties.
“You must also work in synergy with your commissioners and special advisers to ensure the effective and efficient running of your MDAs,” he said.
Governor Aliyu cautioned against truancy, indolence and lateness to work, noting that the state government had taken significant steps to improve workers’ welfare.
He highlighted achievements since assuming office, including prompt payment of salaries and pensions, clearance of backlog of unpaid gratuities inherited from the previous administration, and restoration of monthly imprest to MDAs.
He reassured workers of his administration’s determination to provide a conducive environment for the civil service to thrive, adding that training and retraining would remain a priority.
Earlier, the State Head of Civil Service, Abdulkadir Ahmed Mohamed, commended the governor for his support to the civil service.
“To whom much is given, much is expected. Therefore, we must reciprocate this gesture by the Governor,” he said, while also appreciating the Iftar invitation as a demonstration of simplicity and humility.
The event was attended by the Secretary to the State Government, Muhammad Bello Sifawa, the Chief of Staff, Aminu Haliru Dikko, mni, and other top government officials.