Vice President Kashim Shettima, on Monday, warned new political aides against unethical practices and conduct that undermines public trust and taints the Tinubu-led administration.
He said their new roles expose them to more scrutiny and criticism. Therefore, they must be mindful of their words and actions.
“From today, your words and actions will undergo more intense scrutiny, occasionally even rigorous criticism…should you falter in this duty, the consequences would ripple far beyond the intricate fabric of governance,” Shettima said when he declared open a retreat and sensitisation programme for political aides on administrative procedure and governance in the public sector at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Abuja.
The State House Director of Information, Office of the Vice President, Olusola Abiola, disclosed this in a statement he signed on Monday titled ‘State House Retreat: Avoid actions that could tarnish reputation of Tinubu administration-VP Shettima’.
The 18-day exercise is organised by the State House in conjunction with Direct Knowledge Consult Ltd. and will run from September 4-22, 2023.
Speaking to participants, which include political aides and senior civil servants on the topic Forging a Path to Responsible Governance: A Call to Political Aides, Shettima said, “The responsibility you carry isn’t merely about fulfilling your role; it encompasses the aspirations of our entire nation.”
He noted that the “retreat is designed to facilitate your transition and equip you with the fundamental tenets of public sector administration and governance.”
While praising them for satisfying the technical requirements to serve in their current roles, the VP explained the sensitive nature of their duties.
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 intentional and unintended mishandling of the information entrusted to your care.”
Shettima reasoned that their failure could erode public trust, jeopardise national security, and undermine the very integrity of the administration.
“Understand that your credibility, that of your team, your superiors, and indeed, the entire government rests in the balance, and history reminds us that very few have emerged unscathed from the aftermath of such ethical lapses,” the VP stressed.
The Vice President also reminded the participants that the State House is a bastion of order.
“It’s the engine room of our nation’s public service. Within its precincts, operations pivot upon a hierarchy, wherein each role and position adhere to well-defined protocols and communication procedures,” he noted.
Shettima called for synergy and teamwork, saying, “There is no need for rivalry. This, precisely, is the essence of your presence here.”
In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of State House, Funso Adebiyi, disclosed that the training registers the commitment of the political aides towards actualising the goals of the Tinubu-led administration.
