IN GOVERNANCE
... A CODE OF CONDUCT FOR PUBLIC OFFICE
HOLDERS
AN Analysis of Governor Samuel Ortom's Speeches.
By Teryila Ibn Apine
The quest to evolve or instill a culture for political office holders has continued to elude us.
In our State and Nigeria in general. People garbage in and out of public office without first knowing what it entails.
To most of us, lobbying to find your way into public office is the ultimate. Even if you do not measure up to expectation, people leave office happy that at least they have been former this or that.
Our leaders must therefore develop a modus operandi for all those appointed to serve in their administration.
President Buhari has demonstrated this by insisting on having men and women of integrity. The presidents culture makes one believe that any one he appoints will uphold discipline in the discharge of his responsibilities.
The speeches of Governor Ortom has pulled attention to this too. The Governor reiterate certain Core values in all his speeches.
This will stand as his code of conduct for any one appointed into public office through out his Tenure.
The Governor has delivered four major speeches.
1. The inaugural Speech
2. On the occasion of the swearing in of the SSG, chief of staff and two special Advisers
3. The swearing in of Caretaker committees
4. The inauguration of The Benue state executive. Council.
In all this speeches, the governor has reiterated some values
'' you must remember that our administration which is anchored on the fear of God has pledged to entrench core values which include:
A. Transparency
B. Accountability
C. Justice
D. Fairness
E. Selflessness
F. Humility
G. Discipline
H. Forgiveness
I . Reconciliation
J. Integration
K. Peace and Unity
Which shall make development inevitable"
The Governor also repeats this statement too " ... To us, public office is an opportunity to serve and not for amassing wealth"
The above statement completely makes corruption an aberration in this Government and amongst appointees of Government.
The governor goes further to state unequivocally that '' ... No one in the public service should DARE to convert funds meant for the execution of projects for the peoples welfare into personal gain as such will be met with DIRE consequences.."
The Governor also uses the local every day pidgin English to warn appointees of government against corruption. In his words:
'' ... If you chop public money; the money will chop you...''
Even those who might have issues with understanding formal use of the English Language will comprehend the local pidgin english
Again there is a consistent caution of public officers against ostentatious life styles.
" .. You must also shun acts of flamboyance, be frugal and sensitive to public perception and commit public funds only to the advancement of public good..."
In the above statement one easily reads that the governor understands and respects the mandate of the people and holds dear to his heart their views about his governments policies and programmes as such he admonishes his appointees to be committed to serving the people.
The Governor has constantly professed the aforementioned as his expectation from any one working in his government.
The people of Benue will be watching keenly to see how the Governor will lead his appointees to achieve all these.
What has become synonymous with the Governor is the use of the slogan " .. In God will Trust"
The people of Benue are therefore hoping that the name of God will not be used in Vain.
If all the appointees key into this vision, the Governor must have succeeded in establishing a culture of Governance founded on Service abd devoid of primitive accumulation of public wealth in Benue.
We hope the Governors words will be his bond....
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