Professor Tunji Olaopa, the newly appointed Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC), emphasised that his main objective is to hold accountable those individuals who tarnish the reputation of the service through corruption. In a press briefing held at the State House in Abuja, Olaopa revealed his commitment to this cause following his inauguration alongside 11 other Commission members. Prior to the scheduled Federal Executive Council (FEC) gathering, the oath of office was duly administered by President Bola Tinubu to both the FCSC members and the esteemed Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
Inquisitive journalists sought Olaopa’s stance on addressing the distressing issue of corruption within the civil service. The former federal Permanent Secretary expressed his deep concern over the matter and emphasised his forthcoming collaboration with security and law enforcement agencies to restore the tarnished reputation of the service. He acknowledged the disturbing nature of these reports and cases. The Civil Service Commission was established with the noble aim of upholding integrity. Since its inception, it has been synonymous with excellence. The pioneers who laid its foundation built a legacy that still resonates.
Support will be given to the governments to implement its policies.
He is greatly disturbed by the negative perception surrounding the commission’s practices, with a determination to take all necessary measures alongside select intelligence and security agencies to lay hold on a few individuals to create a fresh identity for the Service Commission. This task will be their top priority, and each member shall devote themselves to reinstating the cherished principles and institutional values within Nigerian public service. The administration’s inclusion of the Civil Service into the Renewed Hope Agenda is evident through the task assigned to them.
It is incumbent upon all stakeholders, even the Office of the Head of Service, to work together and acknowledge that the Civil Service is facing challenges that require a strategic repositioning. It is crucial for them to enhance their readiness and capabilities, embrace technological advancements, and reintroduce professionalism and competency-focused human resource management. It is essential to shift this Civil Service to a favourable position that enables them to actively support governments in effectively implementing their policies and goals, an objective they are primed and ready to achieve.
Utmost honesty and reliability will be showcased by the service.
According to him, the Civil Service Commission has expressed its desire to revamp and redefine itself. They aim to rebrand the commission into one that showcases the utmost honesty and reliability in the Civil Service domain. Furthermore, the commission aspires to become a platform that consistently upholds the revered principles of public service across all its endeavours. In an interaction with journalists, Dr Musa Aliyu, the newly appointed ICPC Chairman, expressed his determination to lead the Commission through his personal actions while also striving to achieve the goals set by the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Having solemnly pledged to uphold the responsibilities of his position, he will faithfully adhere to the obligations outlined in the ICPC Act, supporting the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda. Ensuring both Nigerians and the President that he will set a commendable example, he commits to maintaining high standards and unwaveringly abiding by the oath taken upon assuming office. Prior to the inauguration of the new members, the recently selected ICPC Chairman held the position of Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Jigawa State from 2019 to 2023, as stated in a reference quoted by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale.
More representatives from different states were also sworn in.
Olaopa, the newly appointed Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission, hails from Oyo State with a rich academic background and prior experience as a Permanent Secretary in five ministries. Other sworn in for the FCSC are Dr. Daudu Jalo, representing Adamawa, Gombe, and Taraba, as well as Gekpe Isu, who represents Akwa Ibom and Cross River. Rufus Godwins (Rivers, Delta and Bayelsa), Dr. Adamu Hussein ( Niger and the FCT) Chamberlain Nwele (Anambra, Ebonyi, and Enugu), and Aminu Nabegu (Jigawa and Kano). Others are Shehu Aliyu (Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara), Odekunle Aduke (Kogi and Kwara), Jide Jimoh (Lagos and Ogun), Hindatu Abdullahi (Kaduna and Katsina), and Dr. Festus Oyebade (Osun and Oyo).
Related Link
FCSC: Website
