Abuja – Vice President Sen. Kashim Shettima has emphasized the importance of discretion in both public and private life to safeguard the government’s reputation.
According to the Vice President, “from today, your words and actions will undergo more intense scrutiny, occasionally even rigorous criticism.”
His remarks were made during the opening ceremony of a retreat and sensitization program for political aides on administrative procedures and governance in the public sector.
Organized jointly by the State House and Direct Knowledge Consult Ltd., this program, held from September 4th to 22nd at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Abuja, aims to equip participants with essential knowledge for public sector administration.
Addressing political aides and senior civil servants on the theme “Forging a Path to Responsible Governance: A Call to Political Aides,” Vice President Shettima stressed that their roles carry the aspirations of the nation. He underscored the need for leadership to break down inequality barriers and promote a safe, peaceful society, emphasizing that the responsibility lies within the State House.
Furthermore, Vice President Shettima emphasized the sensitivity of their roles, stating that they are bound by the laws of the land in official correspondence. Mishandling information entrusted to their care, intentional or not, could have severe consequences, eroding public trust and jeopardizing national security.
The Vice President called for unity and teamwork, highlighting that the State House operates as a bastion of order with a well-defined hierarchy and communication protocols. He stressed the essence of recognizing oneself as part of a team with shared objectives, emphasizing that rivalry is unnecessary.
The Permanent Secretary of the State House, Engr. Funso Adebiyi, welcomed participants and explained that the training aims to align political aides with the goals of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration. Adebiyi also outlined the importance of information and document management systems to ensure the smooth operation of the new administration.
Notable attendees at the event included Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadeja; Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Abubakar Rufa’i; and representatives from the Directorate of State Services, among other senior government officials.