The Rivers state governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has charged eight newly sworn-in commissioners to cultivate the culture of keeping accurate records of their dealings in their various ministries of posting.
The governor stated that such culture was essential for the effective functioning of any organised system, particularly the civil service, because they provide useful history of events, decisions and actions, including indices of productivity.
Governor Fubara gave the charge to the eight new commissioners shortly after they were sworn- in at the Executive Council Chambers of Government House, Port Harcourt, Tuesday night.
The eight commissioners include: Hon. Prince Charles Bekee; Barrister Collins Onunwo; Hon Prince Solomon Abel Eke; Dr Peter Medee; Hon Elloka Tasie Amadi; Hon Basoene Joshua Benibo; Mr Tambari Sydney Gbara; and Dr Ovy Orluideye Chinendum Chukwuma.
The governor said it was regrettable how some commissioners, who had left the administration ignored the culture of proper documentation because they had no record of activities in the ministries they served.
He said: “I know what I am saying. Some of them who left here as commissioners, there are no records in their ministries. We’ve had a few meetings with people. We were looking for records which we could not find, but that is for them and their gods, I am not bothered about that.
“But, you that are coming in now, please, do this work as seasoned administrators. Work with your permanent secretaries, the things that you don’t know ask questions from them and they will tell you. They will teach you too. It doesn’t reduce you as not being the head. But it helps you to succeed as a good administrator,” he said.
Governor Fubara enjoined them to emulate his work culture and pay attention to details, adding that it should reflect in the nature of records they keep.
He added, “Let me say this: this government is a government that is birthed by high- level discipline.
“I don’t know about other people that are working with me, but as a person, from the time that I started working as civil servant, from the time I worked in the Office of the Accountant General with my boss, we didn’t play with keeping good records.
“I can boldly stand here to say that whatever that transpired, the records are there right from the time we worked from 2007 to date. They are there for anybody to go and see.”
