Vice-President Kashim Shettima has advised political aides to avoid any action that can tarnish the reputation of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Shettima gave the advice on Monday in Abuja at the opening of the retreat and sensitisation programme for political aides and senior Civil Servants on administrative procedure and governance in the public sector.
The retreat, organised by the Presidential Villa in conjunction with Direct Knowledge Consult L.td., will hold from Sept. 4 to Sept. 22, at the Army Resource Centre.
“It is essential to exercise discretion in both your public and private lives and to avoid any actions that can tarnish the reputation of the government.
“From today, your words and actions will undergo more intense scrutiny; occasionally, even rigorous criticism.
“The responsibility you carry isn’t merely about fulfilling your role; it encompasses the aspirations of our entire nation.”
According to the Vice-President, the topic of the retreat- “Forging a Path to Responsible Governance: A Call to Political Aides,” is designed to equip participants with the tenets of public administration.
“The retreat is designed to facilitate your transition and equip you with the fundamental tenets of public sector administration and governance.
“Our mission is to uplift the lives of our citizens impartially and inspire lasting change.
“Leadership, for us, means breaking down barriers of inequality and fostering a safe, peaceful society.
“To truly expand educational opportunities and empower our youths with knowledge for self-reliance, we must fully dedicate ourselves to our duties within the State House (Presidential Villa).
“As many of you take your initial steps into the realm of public service, especially at the federal level, let it be clear that your competence is beyond doubt.
“You are here because of your formidable skills and our confidence in your potential to catalyse change.
“We yearn for fresh and imaginative ideas to harmonise with established practices.”
On the sensitive nature of their roles as political aides, he said:
“From this very moment, you are bound by the laws of our land in all matters of official correspondence.
“These laws outline the consequences for both intentional and unintended mishandling of the information entrusted to your care.
“Should you falter in this duty, the consequences would ripple far beyond the intricate fabric of governance.
“They could erode public trust, jeopardise national security and undermine the very integrity of our administration.”
He reminded the participants to understand that their credibility, that of their team, superiors and the entire government rests in the balance.
Shettima also reminded the participants that the State House (Presidential Villa) is a bastion of order and the engine room of the nation’s public service.
The Vice-President emphasised the need for synergy and team work, noting that there is no room for rivalry.
“Within its precincts, operations pivot upon a hierarchy wherein each role and position adheres to well-defined protocols and communication procedures.
“Your primary instinct should always revolve around the recognition that you are part of a team, united in the pursuit of a shared objective.
“There is no need for rivalry; this, precisely, is the essence of your presence here,” Shettima said.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of State House, Mr Funso Adebiyi said that the training aimed to register the commitment of the political aides to actualise the goals of the Tinubu administration.
Adebiyi said participants would be exposed to techniques of information and documents management systems in order to ensure the smooth running of the new administration.
The retreat was attended by the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Office of the Vice-President, Sen. Ibrahim Hadeja and the Director-General, National Intelligence Agency, Amb. Abubakar Rufa’i.
Also in attendance were representatives of the Director-General, Directorate of State Services and other senior government officials.
