By Onomiguren Agbamu
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council, formally commends the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for his firm and commendable insistence on seniority, professionalism, merit, and proven track records in the recent appointment of Permanent Secretaries in the Delta State Civil Service.
The Council notes with profound satisfaction that the Governor’s decisive action has further deepened public confidence in the civil service by reinforcing the enduring principle that diligence, patience, competence, and years of dedicated service remain the most credible and honourable pathways to career advancement.
The Council recalls that it had, in recent times, joined other well-meaning stakeholders in advocating for the appointment of Permanent Secretaries, given how long the exercise had been overdue. It is therefore gratifying that the Governor not only responded to these calls but went further to ensure the process was guided by transparency, professionalism, and strict respect for seniority, restoring well-deserved confidence in the integrity of the state’s public service.
This policy direction is expected to significantly reduce unhealthy rivalry, needless agitation, favouritism, and the politicisation that has too often characterised appointments to the office of Permanent Secretary, notwithstanding its inherently political dimension. More importantly, it restores morale within the service by assuring officers that no junior colleague will be elevated above a senior one without clear, justifiable, and professionally sound grounds.
The Council firmly believes that when transparency and clearly established criteria guide appointments, officers who do not ultimately emerge as Permanent Secretaries are far more likely to accept such outcomes in good faith, confident that the process afforded every eligible officer a fair and level playing field.
The NUJ equally aligns with the Governor’s position that appointment to the office of Permanent Secretary does not represent the pinnacle of a civil servant’s career, but rather a privilege and an additional call to distinguished service. The attainment of Salary Grade Level 17 remains the statutory apex of career progression; elevation to Permanent Secretary should rightly be regarded as an opportunity for greater responsibility, subject to available vacancies and broader government considerations.
Nevertheless, the Council respectfully appeals to the Delta State Government to adopt more innovative, forward-looking, and sustainable measures that afford civil servants who reach the peak of their careers a stronger and more tangible sense of dignity, fulfilment, and economic security upon retirement; whether after 35 years of meritorious service or upon attaining the mandatory retirement age of 60.
The Council observes with deep concern that senior officers who retire at the apex of the civil service structure are, in many cases, compelled to contend with very modest post-service earnings and austere living. This does not adequately reflect the immense sacrifices, professional discipline, and invaluable institutional knowledge accumulated over decades of dedicated service. Such circumstances risk weakening morale, diminishing motivation, and eroding the culture of honesty and long-term commitment within the service; and go some way towards explaining the unhealthy rivalry, agitation, and politicking that have historically surrounded Permanent Secretary appointments.
The Council therefore advocates for improved retirement welfare frameworks and enhanced remuneration structures for officers on Salary Grade Level 17, so that attaining the highest level in the civil service remains a truly dignified, rewarding, and aspirational achievement; one that public servants can anticipate with pride and genuine enthusiasm, rather than anxiety or desperation.
The Council reiterates its confidence in Governor Oborevwori’s commitment to strengthening the Delta State Civil Service and sustaining people-centred reforms that promote fairness, professionalism, institutional efficiency, and long-term stability in governance. The NUJ pledges its continued support for policies and initiatives that advance the welfare of workers and the overall development of Delta State.
E-Signed:
Comrade Churchill Oyowe
Chairman
Comrade Josephine Omodior
Acting Secretary
About the Author
