Following the spate of criticism that greeted the recent announcement of Dame Patience Jonathan, among the list of 19 newly appointed Permanent Secretaries in Bayelsa State, the state government has defended its action by saying the appointment was made strictly on merit.
It said the action taken by the government was strictly done in the best interest of the state. It said it however, recognised the fundamental right of Nigerians to know and ask questions about the wife of their President, stressing that we want to believe that Nigerians’ reactions to the promotion were in good faith.
In a statement made available to leadership Sunday and signed by Mr. Daniel Iworiso-Markson, Senior Special Assistant (Media & Public Affairs) to the Bayelsa State Governor, the state government said what has become clear is that many people lack adequate information on the subject matter and hence the urgent need for government to set the records straight.
The state government said unknown to a number of people, the first lady, Dame Patience Jonathan joined the Rivers State civil service in the 90’s and upon the election of her husband as Deputy Governor in 1999 transferred her service to the civil service of Bayelsa State.
It stated further that she rose through the ranks of the public service of Bayelsa State and was last appointed into the directorate cadre as a level 15 officer in 2005.
The statement said further, “By the traditions of the Bayelsa State civil service, officers on directorate level, some of whom are even junior to her present position have been appointed as Permanent Secretaries before now.
Even among the list of those currently appointed, not all of them are the most senior officers. Appointment is a combination of leadership, output, dedication, geographical spread etc which informs a Governor’s exercise of his discretionary powers to appoint Permanent Secretaries in consultation with the appropriate authorities.
The state government said it believed that wives of public officers should not suffer prejudices or deprivation merely as a result of the positions occupied by their husbands.