Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan (left) with the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. (Mrs.) Beatrice Omeni, after she took the oath of office before the governor at Government House, Asaba, yesterday.

Delta State Governor Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has charged the new Secretary to the State Government to remain steadfast and be on the part truth and not allow the volume of politicking distracts and weigh her down.

Dr. Uduaghan who gave the charge at the swearing in ceremony of the new Secretary to the State Government Dr. (Mrs.) Beatrice Omeni in Asaba, yesterday, said the position of SSG was strategic and central in achieving the three point agenda of the state government stressing that the SSG’s office is the engine room of government.

Governor Uduaghan said her appointment was purely on merit and a reward for hard work.

Reflecting on the antecedents of Dr. (Mrs.) Omeni who is a retired Permanent Secretary, the governor said “she was of great assistance as my Executive Assistant and was therefore the natural choice when the position of SSG became vacant.”

Besides, he said the choice of the new SSG was strategic because he needed somebody to “watch over the government and avoid leakages” while he is in the field politicking.

Governor Uduaghan used the occasion to call on government officials to remain on the part of honour so that they can hold their heads high when they leave service.

He therefore called on the Delta State government scribe to handle issues with calmness, level headedness and the diligence and honour her office demands. “Try and remain on the part of truth and honour, be diligent and calm and let God direct you,” he said.

The governor enjoined her to apply the rules especially due process so that probity and accountability govern her actions on all official matters, while charging public officers in the state to cooperate and assist her in her onerous task to enable her succeed.

Governor Uduaghan also called on public officers to pay greater attention to efficiency and redouble their efforts in service delivery.

The governor said public officers should at all times be sincere in their approach to issues explaining that they have nothing to fear once they applied due process in all official matters.

“I call on public officers to allow due process to govern their activities. The new SSG will be your friend when you are doing the right things but you may not be comfortable with her if you are on the wrong track,” he said.

Dr. Uduaghan commended the former SSG Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa for his contributions to the achievements recorded so far by his administration.

The governor disclosed that he accepted the former SSG’s decision to further his political ambition because of his firm belief that Dr. Okowa was very relevant in the PDP family.

The new SSG Dr. Mrs. Beatrice Omeni in her response, promised not to betray the trust placed on her.

Dr. Mrs. Omeni said she was overwhelmed by the appointment and expressed profound appreciation to the governor for finding her worthy for the position.

She is the first female Secretary to state government since the creation of Delta State.