Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni has called on permanent secretaries to justify the government’s investment in them. He spoke in Damaturu on Tuesday. The permanent secretaries had come to thank him for the upward review of their salaries.
Yobe’s permanent secretaries have been on a static salary structure since 2006. The Head of Service, Abdullahi Musa, said previous efforts to review it failed. The current administration approved the increase. The review reflects growing responsibilities attached to the office. It also reflects the state’s efforts to improve civil service welfare. Yobe has faced years of insurgency. Public institutions have been under pressure. Retaining senior civil servants is a challenge across the northeast.
Buni told the permanent secretaries they are role models. “You are the role models of the younger civil servants working under you, you should therefore lead by example,” he said. He said the salary review was meant to improve their welfare and match their responsibilities. “To whom much is given, much is equally expected. You should therefore justify this gesture by putting in your best to serve our people better.”
Musa thanked the governor. He said the permanent secretaries had waited since 2006 for the review. He said the administration had made Yobe’s permanent secretaries role models to their counterparts in other states. He assured the governor that they would justify the gesture “to the fullest of their ability.”
The visit was a courtesy call. It was also a public acknowledgment of the pay rise. The governor used it to demand performance. The permanent secretaries used it to pledge loyalty.
Winners: The permanent secretaries, who gain higher salaries. The Buni administration, which earns civil service goodwill. The state, if service delivery improves. Losers: Other civil servants, who may not receive similar reviews. Taxpayers, who fund the increase. The government, if performance does not improve. Critics who see the raise as political.
Bottom Line: A salary structure frozen since 2006 was reviewed. The permanent secretaries said thank you. The governor said deliver. The two are now linked. Yobe’s civil service must justify the raise. The people are watching.