Season of Distractions: THE PERM SEC SAGA

It's truly amazing what makes news and what doesn't these days. The recent hullabaloo following Governor Seriake Dickson's appontment of Dame Patience Jonathan as Permanent Secretary in the Bayelsa State Civil Service yet again lends credence to the fact that there is really no hiding place for the first couple.

With all the aggro that has plagued Nigeria in recent times with the horrific cloud of gloom the hostilities in the north cast over the Nation's landscape; it has become common place for the Jonathans to be the whipping boy.

Notwithstanding the argumemts (legal and non legal) on the issue and attempts to justify or decry the action, I am of the opinion, that only Dickson knows what his true motive is. and our energies will be bettr serve on other more pressing issues of National interest.

Amidst the many commnts, I sure was glad to read this credited to the SA on Media to Dickson; while it may not satisy the general sensibilities, I want to believe it should put this issue to rest once and for all.

The full text of the statement is reproduced below:

 
Sir, The distraction in the country today as I write is the appointment of the wife of the President of Nigeria, Dame Patience Goodluck Jonathan as Permanent Secretary in Bayelsa State. Human rights activist Itse Sagay and other heavy weight lawyers have jumped into the bandwagon of critics.
However, in my opinion, as the SA on media to the Governor of Bayelsa State wrote “that is simply routine”. I base my opinion on the following points below:
1. Mrs Goodluck Jonathan was a Civil Servant in Bayelsa State rising to the rank of a Director until she took leave of absence in 1999 when her husband became a Deputy Governor.
2. Going on leave of absence for political offices or studies is routine
3. In Nigeria, Associate Professors (Readers) routinely get promoted to the rank of professor during leave of absence
4. Promotion to the rank of Permanent Secretary is more or less a political appointment once the civil servant attains the rank of Director
5. She could have been appointedPermanent Secretary quietly without announcement. I believe we should channel our energies to other more pressing issues instead of focusing on an appointment which seems more or less routine.