Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa, has warned that public officers in the state stands the risk of loosing their jobs if failed to declare their assets.
Sule who gave the warning in lafia while declaring open a two-day workshop on strict compliance with assets declaration for public officers, organized in collaboration with the Code of Conduct Bureau, said it does not make any meaning for public officers to by-pass the 2020 budget earlier passed into law by the State House of Assembly, especially if they want to be honest, accountable and transparent.
According to the governor, “My administration would not fold it’s arm and watch public officials cut Conners, abuse financial regulations and acquire wealth that does not reflect their genuine earnings”.
While commending the Code of Conduct Bureau for organizing the workshop, designed to instill discipline, probity, accountability in the conduct of public officers in the discharge of their responsibilities, Governor Sule said the workshop was in accordance with the objective of his administration to inculcate financial discipline and prudent management of public resources.
He therefore, directed all public officers in the state to declare their assets, in line with the provision of the CCB, to guard against the wrath of the law and the consequences for non compliance with the CCB Act Cap15 LFN2004.
He further warned that with
government revenue just recovering from the effect of COVID-19, it has become necessary to synergize with relevant institutions of government and other non governmental organizations to block leakages and ensure that resources at the disposal of government are prudently managed.
“We shall spare no means in safeguarding our common wealth including applying appreciate sanctions against those found wanting,” he stated.
He further reiterated the resolve of his administration to continue to impact the culture of discipline and transparency in government affairs adding that the decision of his administration to establish the Bureau for Public Procurement is aimed at ensuring accountability and due process in the management of public resources.
“The vision of the CCB under the Act is enormous and pubic officers are encouraged to be on the same page with the law,” he added. The governor however, urged resource persons at the workshop to do justice to their chosen topics and called on the participants drawn from the three arms of government, including High Court Judges, members of the judicial Service Commission, Permanent Secretaries and other public officers, to utilize the knowledge gained for the benefit of the state.
Earlier in a welcome address, Chairman of the CCB, Professor Mohammed Isah had stated the enormous mandate of the CCB to include maintaining a high standard of morality in the conduct of government business, towards ensuring that actions and behaviours of public officers conform with the highest standard of public morality and accountability.
Prof. Isah, represented by the Commissioner representing North Central at the CCB, Reverend Ken Alkali Madaki, appreciated governor Sule, for accepting to support the bureau to conduct the workshop.
The occasion witnessed the presentation of an award to the Governor for his prompt compliance with the CCB Act by declaring his assets, shortly after he was elected Governor.