|
Home
Tasks for Pius Anyim, New SGF
By Sun News Publishing
The position of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) is crucial to the success or failure of any administration. The position may be somewhat obscure to the general public when compared with some other glamorous ministerial appointments, but it is an important office.
However, getting a dynamic person to man the position and wield the authority to move government agencies from slumber to activity is always a tough task.
President Goodluck Jonathan saw a man who fits the bill in Chief Pius Anyim, a former Senate President. Anyim has since penultimate Tuesday assumed office, taking over from former SGF, Yayale Ahmed. For the benefit of doubt, the president spelled out what he expects from the new SGF. He is to be a part of the team to drive the new transformation agenda to move the country from lamentation to songs of praise.
He further told Anyim: "The challenge before you, therefore, is to ensure high integrity, accountability and openness in the conduct of government business. Nigeria must have a government that truly places itself in the service of its citizens. All of us must together commit ourselves to the entrenchment of good government at all levels. We must live by example in words and deeds. We must alleviate the sufferings of our people; we must create jobs, provide electricity and deliver on our electoral promises. This is the most urgent task before this government."
The SGF position is, indeed, powerful in the hands of one who knows his onions and can match words with deeds. President Jonathan spelled out the job description of the office to include coordination of government policies, ministries, extra-ministerial departments and agencies, including the Cabinet Office. However, there is need for the clearing of the fog and conflict of roles between the SGF's office and that of the Head of Service, Ministry of National Planning, Ministry of Finance and the like. This is with a view to eliminating inter-service rivalry that leads to confusion in policies and projects conception and implementation.
So, the extent to which the administration of Jonathan delivers on his promises depends on the success of managing and taming the monster of bureaucracy, which had for long been the Achilles heel of the nation's leaders. The SGF and Head of Service must work together to wake from lethargy the bureaucracy that has been allergic to reforms of the past 12 years.
The Civil Service bureaucracy is the engine that drives reforms to improve governance and welfare of the people. In the past 12 years of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in power at the centre, unspent budgetary votes for infrastructure upgrade has been the norm, leading to infrastructure collapse, dilapidated roads and epileptic power supply. The quality of bureaucracy determines the quality of governance. So, a bureaucracy that is allergic to change and reform cannot be relied upon to drive any meaningful and productive transformation.
As SGF, Chief Anyim is more or less the chief administrative officer or anchorman of the Federal Government. He has to deploy his skills to liaise effectively with all the government agencies and ministries to get them to provide value for money allocated to projects to improve the people's welfare. Bloated recurrent expenditure that starves productive projects of funds should be slashed, considerably, to free funds for infrastructure upgrade.
No doubt, it is the lack of monitoring of ministries, departments and agencies that led to budgetary votes of unexecuted projects being diverted into private pockets, only for the projects to be presented again in the following financial year. This barefaced stealing of public funds must stop. Lax monitoring creates a yawning gap between government intentions and actual implementation, a shortcoming that portrays government as a liar. All activities of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) must reflect and fit into President Jonathan's transformation vision.
Therefore, as early as possible, bureaucrats that are impervious to change and transformation should be shown the way out. There should be zero tolerance for corruption, which has earned Nigeria the ugly reputation of a global champion of corruption. Chief Anyim must understand clearly his job brief to use the best hands available in all parts of the country to achieve Jonathan's transformation agenda.
The position of the SGF is really not political and should not be seen or used or abused to pander to the interest of any ethnic group. Anyim must present himself as a truthful confidant of the president and as the person to be trusted by the public to make MDAs deliver the long-awaited dividends of democracy.
Source: Sun, 12th June 2011.
The Return of Anyim
Sam Egburonu
opinion
When it became obvious that the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) would be offered to the South-East geo-political zone, in line with the zoning arrangement of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), not many observers considered Senator Anyim Pius Anyim as a possible candidate.
Many had concluded that Anyim's only ambition was to chair the party - a vision that eluded him recently when the former National Chairman of the party mounted the throne against popular permutations.
So, in the build-up speculations for the SGF position, not much was said about Anyim. As a result, his recent appointment as SGF by President Goodluck Jonathan came as a big surprise to many observers and analysts.
For Anyim and some Nigerians aware of his impending appointment, that oversight may have served as a good cover to discreetly package the negotiations without distractions.
This, in a way, explains why it was after his inauguration that many commentators began to ask critical questions like: How was the appointment packaged? How did he make it without attracting much attention? Does he have what it takes to handle this top administrative job? As a former Number three citizen of Nigeria; one that effectively enjoyed and exercised enormous legislative powers, can he serve under somebody as government's chief tool? Can he demonstrate the needed humility, patience and thoroughness needed in this fragile office?
As a way of providing answers, some critics are already alleging that the Anyim they know may not be able to adopt some of these postures in order to succeed. They are therefore wondering if he is the right candidate for the job.
Such fears notwithstanding, Anyim, in his usual style, appears to understand the game more than his critics would admit. He must have disarmed many when he said, shortly after his inauguration, that he lacked experience for this office but that he was willing to learn from the wealth of experience of the out-going SGF. If you ask me, I think that was a wise comment for it paints a picture of a humble civil servant, not out to display the flamboyance and arrogance of politicians.
In a way, it reminded me of his first coming into very sensitive public office. In fact, the former Senate President is not a stranger to such criticisms, doubts and controversies. Before he emerged the leader of the legislative arm of government during the Chief Olusegun Obasanjo-led civilian government, many dismissed him as an underdog. Among the big names from the South-East that were considered then for the job, it was alleged that he was one of the least known. He was therefore openly under-rated and even derided.
But when he mounted the hot seat, the Ebonyi State-born politician and lawyer, arguably turned out to be one of the most intriguing and courageous Senate Presidents in the history of Nigeria's democracy. Where many other leaders in his stead would have "chickened out," Anyim showed unusual courage and strength of character. Under his leadership, the Senate and indeed, the National Assembly relatively stood up to the firm hands of the then President Olusegun Obasanjo, who till date may be described as one of the most powerful elected Nigerian presidents.
But as many would point out, the office of the SGF is not exactly the same as the office of an elected President of the Senate. This is the challenge Anyim must brace up to face.
Ironically, President Goodluck Jonathan has said he chose Anyim for the job because of his records while he served as Senate President.
Identifying the skills to include openness, integrity, and transparency, Jonathan further said to Anyim, "I therefore urge you, Senator Anyim, to bring these virtues and experience to bear to the service of Nigeria as you coordinate the activities of the government. The challenge before you therefore is to ensure high integrity, accountability and openness in the conduct of government business."
Like Jonathan's speech implied, the expectations of average Nigerians of the SGF is very high. Most of the time, governments have been run like personality cults for the ruling political parties and a select few, who have strong connections.
This should not be the case. While relatives, associates and friends of leaders need not be excluded from the scheme of things, leaders, especially the SGF, whose job, Jonathan said, is to coordinate government activities, must always bear in mind that they are there to render service to all Nigerians. Anyim, or better still, Jonathan's government, would have succeeded if from now, government business is conducted more openly and freely. Such an approach will create a sense of belonging to all Nigerians and thus help to make this the government of the people.
During electioneering campaign, some media reports said the First Lady, Mrs. Patience Jonathan, allegedly assured Ndigbo that if they voted her husband into power, they will not enter Aso Rock from the back door. With Anyim as SGF, it seems they will not.
Unfortunately, many Igbo leaders at various sectors and levels have been accused of walling off their kiths and kin once they occupy high offices. The allegation is that they exhibit this tendency more than their peers from other parts of the country. There are reports that in order not to be perceived as being partial, such leaders build barriers and may even deny their Igboness.
This is not only cowardly but also grossly immoral. Anyim is believed to be a bold and courageous person, so, I will advise him not to do so since I am certain that in his present office, he can still serve Nigeria well without necessarily alienating Ndigbo. I think Igbo leaders, who adopt such strange strategy, are not only cowards but simply immoral.
Though his appointment is political, as he represents a zone, I do not believe Ndigbo would be unfair enough to make demands on him that would suggest his appointment as SGF is to serve them alone. No, they cannot do that since his office is like the engine room of the federal government. Everybody knows that his assignment is to ensure that all Nigerians, including Ndigbo, benefit from the Goodluck Jonathan-led federal government.
Having said so however, and given the history and experience of the South-East zone, it seems necessary that he must see the need to act in a particular way so as to help assuage the fears of Ndigbo over the Jonathan bargain.
When, before the presidential primaries, the issues of zoning of major political offices and that of Igbo Presidency occupied the center stage of national discourse, we know that Igbo leaders did not hide their feelings and their needs. Like any other major ethnic groups in the country, the Igbo of the South-East zone desire and, in fact, deserve to produce the President of the country now. So, when this zone again sacrificed that desire and right to vote in Jonathan, I believe it was with the understanding that this government will begin to right all the wrongs against this marginalized zone.
In bringing a son of the zone to, as Jonathan said, coordinate the activities of government, it seems Jonathan is out to finally put an end to the alleged marginalization of the zone since after the civil war.
The point being made is that the SGF position may not be the same as that of the Senate President or that of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, it is, however, strategic and relevant enough to effectively address the basic, legitimate needs of that long neglected zone.
This, in a way, means that if Anyim makes good use of his current office, he may influence critical government policies and decisions that would permanently address the issue of Igbo marginalization.
In so doing, the Jonathan-led federal government would have served Nigeria better as it would have permanently resolved a major threat to genuine national unity and integration.
Source: Daily Champion, 9th June 2011
Back
Anyim Will Deliver, Says Chime
By Tony Edike
ENUGU – GOVERNOR Sullivan Chime of Enugu State has described the recent appointment of Chief Anyim Pius Anyim to the office of Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, as another demonstration of President Goodluck Jonathan's resolve to restore the nation to the path of rapid and sustainable development.
Chime who stated this in a release signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Chukwudi Achife, said that the President exhibited a high level of sagacity in his choice of Chief Anyim adding that it showed his commitment to promoting merit and propriety over other considerations in making appointments at the highest levels of government.
Chime described Chief Anyim as "a most befitting head to wear the cap", saying the former Senate President would bring his vast experience as a political administrator to bear on the discharge of his duties.
He said that the nation stood to gain a lot from his service.
The governor further noted that Chief Anyim enjoyed a lot of goodwill and friendship across the nation on account of his sterling performance during his days as Senate President stressing that the nation needed a man with such credentials to man the sensitive position of Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
The governor thanked President Jonathan for considering the South East zone worthy of producing the occupant of the exalted office adding that this would further cement the overwhelming support and solidarity he has been enjoying from the people of the region since his ascension to the premier position in the country.
He urged the new SGF to go about his official duties with his usual candour, diligence and broad mindedness adding that he was confident that he (Anyim) would set new standards and carve a distinctive niche for himself in the records of occupants of his office.
Source: Vanguard, 5th June 2011.
Anyim a True Voice of S/East—Umeh
MALACHY UZENDU, Abuja Bureau Chief
ALL Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) yesterday congratulated former Senate President, Anyim Pius Anyim, on his appointment as Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) with a caveat that "the appointment should not assuage the demand by Ndigbo for the position of Speaker of the House of Representatives".
In a congratulatory letter to Anyim signed by its National Chairman, Chief Victor Umeh, he noted that Anyim's "appointment as SGF is good and timely because he is a true voice of the South-East".
Umeh however pointed that the South-East still needs at least the position of the Speaker of the House of Representatives for equity and fairness in the distribution of political offices in the country.
In the congratulatory letter, the APGA boss prayed for ecclesiastical guidance on Anyim and called on him to continue to put in those qualities which made him excel in the past.
The letter reads: "I write on behalf of the party to congratulate you on your well deserved appointment as the Secretary to the State Government of the Federation. I received the news with immense joy because of your track record of service and impeccable character.
"As Senate President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria between 2000 and 2003, you discharged your duties with utmost diligence and forthrightness.
"Representing the South-East in this appointment, our people in the zone have no doubt got a worthy representative and I am sure that you will excel in the discharge of your duties.
"While I congratulate you on this important national assignment, our prayers are for the Almighty God to bless you with good health and be your fortress".
Umeh thanked President Goodluck Jonathan for appointing Anyim as the SGF, stressing that he "is a young man and good for the job but the appointment could not be said to have assuaged the demands of the Igbos for the position of the Speaker of the House of Representatives as it does not augur well for a region that has only three members from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to be considered before a region that produced about 35 lawmakers".
According to him political patronage should be hinged on the level of support of a zone, not based on sentiments or other mundane considerations.
Source: Daily Champion, 2nd June 2011.
Back
Why I picked Anyim, by Jonathan
FROM MADU ONUORAH (ABUJA), SAMSON EZEA, CHIKA GOODLUCK-OGAZI (LAGOS) AND LAWRENCE NJOKU (ENUGU)
* President seeks sacrifice for Nigeria's greatness
* Ohanaeze, others hail ex-Senate President's appointment
PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan formally kicked off his new administration yesterday with the swearing-in of former Senate President, Anyim Pius Anyim, as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).
Jonathan said he opted for Anyim for the choice office because of his experience in public administration, especially in the legislature.
According to him, Anyim is a "part of a team of champions that we are putting in place to drive our transformation agenda."
The President said the most urgent task before his government is to alleviate the sufferings of Nigerians through job creation, provision of stable electricity and delivery on all electoral promises.
Jonathan also called for sacrifice from all public office holders and the private sector, stating that this is what is needed as "the time for transformation has begun."
He told Anyim before the array of top Nigerians at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, that the challenge before him is to ensure high integrity, accountability and openness in the conduct of government's business.
Jonathan disclosed that the selection of Anyim "was anchored on high national expectations," asserting that he is eminently qualified for the office.
The President paid glowing tributes to the former SGF, Alhaji Yayale Ahmed, for his service to Nigeria, saying that he "is one of the most experienced public officers that the country has produced. He brought that experience to bear to the service of his fatherland.
"Today (yesterday), as Alhaji Yayale bows out, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim is stepping into his shoes after a careful selection process that was anchored on high national expectations. In selecting Senator Anyim, we took into cognisance his records of public service, his career as a senator, his role as the Senate President and his leadership skills that our nation needs at this time. Our nation needs men and women who can match words with action, leaders who are ready to learn and lead at the same time," he said.
Jonathan continued: "The Secretary to the Government of the Federation is part of a team of champions that we are putting in place to drive our transformation agenda. He is to co-ordinate government policies, ministries, extra-ministerial departments and agencies, including the Cabinet Office. I, therefore, urge you Senator Anyim to bring these virtues and experience to bear on your service as you co-ordinate the activities of the government. The challenge before you, therefore, is to ensure high integrity, accountability and openness in the conduct of government's business. Nigeria must have a government that truly prides itself in the service of its citizens.
"All of us must together commit ourselves to the entrenchment of good government at all levels. We must live by example in words and deeds. We must show the people that this time around, we are determined. My distinguished senator, you are called to serve at the most challenging time, a time that we are determined to transform Nigeria, a time that we are determined to do things differently, a time that we are calling for sacrifice from all public office holders and the private sector, a time that we are calling on all Nigerians to stop lamenting and join government to transform our country.
"We must alleviate the sufferings of our people, we must create jobs, provide electricity and deliver on our electoral promises. This is the most urgent task before this government. Senator Anyim, the time for transformation has begun, welcome on board."
Anyim later told journalists that "within the limits of the responsibilities of my office, I will fit into the vision of Mr. President. I will help to drive his vision to the best of my abilities."
His appointment is seen as Jonathan's partial fulfilment of the new Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) zoning arrangement, where the SGF is allotted to the South-East zone.
Anyim's kinsmen and groups, including Ohanaeze Ndigbo, former governor of Anambra State and Senator-elect, Dr. Chris Ngige, yesterday commended Jonathan for settling for Anyim for the esteemed office.
Ngige told The Guardian that Anyim is head and politically taller than those listed for the position from the South-East zone.
"Anyim is very young, energetic, intelligent and above all more politically suave. For me, the post should not be weighted for the zone in the political basket for offices of the nation. With this appointment, we still expect the President to ask his party men to return the stolen position of the PDP national chairman to the rightful owners - the South-East - till March 2012," Ngige said.
In his remarks, the Secretary-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Nduka Eya, described Anyim's appointment as a welcome development and a sign that Ndigbo is getting into the mainstream of the country's politics.
The choice of Anyim among those short-listed means that President Jonathan has seen something in him and the entire South-East zone. "We know him and his antecedents very well and we are convinced that he will do the zone and country proud in his new assignment," Eya declared.
The first Republic Minister of Aviation, Chief Mbazulike Amaechi, expressed appreciation to Jonathan for giving the zone the honour to produce the SGF after many years of our country's Independence. He said the South-East preferred the SGF to the position of Speaker of the House of Representatives, describing the latter as an office for the personal aggrandisement of the occupant. He emphasised that SGF is closer to the government and can influence the decision-making process.
Also, the first state chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Anambra State and leader of Ohanaeze, Chief Guy Ikoku, said as far as zoning is concerned, the SGF is better for the Igbo than other offices. He said Anyim's appointment showed that Jonathan meant well for the zone.
"We were not surprised with Anyim's appointment because he is level-headed, less ambitious and very humane. His records are there and he is a true son of Ndigbo that we are proud of at anytime," Ikoku said.
Ohanaeze had reportedly sent four nominees for the office to the President.
The selection was allegedly based on their order of acceptability to the people of the South-East after wide consultations.
Among the nominees were Prof. Ben Obumselu, Chief Dim Nwala, Chief Emeka Eze of the Bureau for Public Enterprises (BPE), and Anyim, who eventually clinched the office.
Eya had said Ohanaeze's decision to nominate four persons for the SGF's office was in the best interest of Ndigbo, adding that it would minimise the rampant quest by individuals in the zone for juicy positions.
"We never wanted someone that when his name was mentioned, people will begin to feel disenchanted. We wanted someone that was the wish of the generality of our people; someone they feel they can trust and rely upon. These were the criteria we followed while making the choice", Eya said.
Also, members of the Senators' Forum yesterday applauded Jonathan's appointment of Anyim as SFG. It said the former Senate President has the experience needed for the country's transformation.
At the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos yesterday, the forum's National Publicity Secretary, Sunday Fajimi, said: "We are excited that the new SFG is a former Senate President. Nigerians are going to see what quality we have had and still have in the Senate, now that senators are being put in offices to make decisions on broader level, Nigerians will now enjoy the new political climate."
Meanwhile, the Igbo Youth Alliance (IYA) has asked President Jonathan to evolve a workable blueprint for the nation.
In a statement titled "State of the Nation Address" and signed by the group's National Co-ordinator Okey Nwokoye, National Secretary, Uwa Uzomah and National Publicity Secretary, Emeka Ikemefuna, urged the President and state governors to immediately begin the process of preparing and implementing blueprints for the nation and their various states to fast-track the economic and socio-political development of the country.
They advised Jonathan to appoint only seasoned technocrats as ministers and to man other government departments and agencies in order to kick-start the development of the nation, especially the energy sector.
Source: The Guardian, 1st June 2011.
Back
APGA: S/East Deserves More Than SGF
By Onyebuchi Ezigbo
All Progressives Grand Alliance has said equity and justice demand that the post of the Speaker of the House of Representatives be ceded to the people of the South-east.
In a congratulatory message to the new Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, the National Chairman of APGA, Chief Victor Umeh, said while the party commended President Goodluck Jonathan for the appointment, it also believed it has not assuaged the demand by Igbos for the position of Speaker of the House of Representatives.
He thanked President Jonathan for appointing Anyim, describing him as a young man best suited for the job.
However, Umeh pointed out that the South-east still needed the position of the House of Representatives in line with equity and fairness in the distribution of political offices in the country.
He said the appointment could not be said to have assuaged the demands of the Igbos for the position of the Speaker of the House of Representatives as it does not augur well for a region that has only three members from the Peoples Democratic Party to be considered before a region that produced about 35 lawmakers.
"It is all about the margin of support. So for equity, we still demand for the position of the Speaker of the House of Representatives," he said.
According to Umeh's statement, Anyim's appointment as SGF is good and timely because "he is a true voice of the South-east."
Source: This Day, 5th June 2011.
SGF: As Anyim Breezes In…
CHIBUZO UKAIBE
The appointment of former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim as the new Secretary to the Federal Government (SGF)
signals an early footing by President Goodluck Jonathan to be his own man. CHIBUZO UKAIBE attempts a deconstruction of the unassuming Ebonyi State-born master of intrigues and looks at the responsibilities of the SGF.
At last the scramble is over. With the announcement of Anyim Pius Anyim as the new Secretary to the Government of the Federation of Nigeria, by President Goodluck Jonathan, the intrigues and lobbying can now give way to actual work. Nudging out other qualified hopefuls including; former Minister of Transport, Ojo Madueke, Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), former national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) among others, the selection of Anyim Pius Anyim comes at a time there is a demand for round pegs in round holes in critical governance positions.
But his emergence was not surprising considering his antecedents. He first emerged on the national scene as senator not in 1999 but in 1998 and ever since he has remained a force to reckon with on the political plain. Born 19 February 1961, he was elected a senator on the People's Democratic Party (PDP) platform in 1999 for the Ebonyi South Constituency of Ebonyi State
He hails from Ishiagu, in Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State and attended Ishiagu High School (St. John Bosco), the Federal School of Arts and Science, Aba and later, Imo State University, Uturu (1983–1987). For his Youth Service he served as the Co-ordinator, Youth Mobilisation Programme in Sokoto State. In 1992, Anyim became the Head of Protection Department at the National Commission for Refugees, Abuja, a job that included provision of legal services and political protection for refugees. In this capacity he traveled to various parts of the world.
In 1998, he joined the United Nigeria Congress Party (UNCP), winning a Senate election. However the death of General Sani Abacha on 8 June 1998 nullified the result. During the transitional regime of General Abdulsalami Abubakar he joined the People's Democratic Party (PDP), and again ran successfully for election to the Senate in 1999.
Following a spell of unstable leadership at Upper House, he was elected senate president in August 2000, taking over from Dr. Chuba Okadigbo and Chief Evans Enwerem. However, he was able to strike a good working relationship with the executive under then President Olusegun Obasanjo, who was alleged to have master-minded the ouster of his predecessors.
But it was not a smooth ride for an independent-minded Anyim. In May 2001, Anyim declared that the upper legislative house was justified in probing the activities of the Mines and Power Ministry during the tenure of Chief Bola Ige. In June 2002, an attempt led by Anyim to impeach President Olusegun Obasanjo collapsed. Speaking a year later, Anyim said President Olusegun Obasanjo misunderstood him on certain issues but there was no conflict between them.
In November 2002 Anyim indefinitely suspended Senator Arthur Nzeribe of Imo State due to an allegation of a N22 million fraud. Nzeribe was said to be planning an impeachment motion against Anyim. The same month, after Anyim had complained about the Independent Corruption Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Senate set up a committee to examine the continued relevance of the commission. In May 2003, Anyim warned an Abuja High Court judge, Justice Egbo Egbo, that the parliament had the power to order his arrest over his opposition to the passage of the anti-graft ICPC law by the senate. He however had a running face-off with his state governor, Dr. Sam Egwu over the control of the state party machinery.
However, at the expiration of his tenure, he did what was unconventional at the time Anyim did not seek re-election in 2003. This move was perceived as an well thought out political move, a rare phenomenon at the time.
Anyim was a candidate in the elections for chairmanship of the PDP in January 2008. While his candidature raised the bar in the contest, it was reportedly frowned against by the former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo (the Board of Trustee Chairman of the PDP) who was said to have considered him too independent. He ran against his former state governor, Sam Egwu Despite raging support from diverse groups in the PDP, and even the governors at some point, Prince Vincent Ogbulafor was appointed PDP chairman.
In January 2010, he led a delegation of 41 eminent Nigerians that called on President Umaru Yar'Adua to urgently transmit a letter of his incapacitation to the National Assembly to salvage the nation's democracy from danger. He praised the Senate when they passed a resolution on February 9, 2010, to make Vice President Goodluck Jonathan Acting President. In May 30, 2011, Anyim Pius Anyim was appointed as Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
A look at the rundown of the responsibilities of the SGF, which are enormous, show that the office is not trivial. Rather the office is indeed a veritable engine room for government businesses. The office has the responsibility of coordinating policy design and formulation by ministries, departments and agencies for approval by government, serving as secretary to the Council of State, the Federal Executive Council and other constitutional councils, which are chaired by the President.
The SGF's office has enormous responsibilities and powers in influencing and coordinating policies, which naturally sets the tone and direction of any administration in a manner which should affect, positively, the lives of the people of the country including specifically, the lives of the people of the zone from whence the occupier of that office comes.
It is also the duty of the office of the SGF to coordinate the activities of ministries and government agencies on the implementation of government decisions, policies and programmes. The office deals with constitutional, political and socio-economic matters as may be referred to the presidency. It also handles administrative tribunals, commissions and panels of enquiry, and coordinates national security and public safety matters; national honours award, prerogative of mercy, protocol matters, channeling of papers and directives of the president, processing and granting government approval for overseas tours, intergovernmental meetings/conferences, medical check-up/treatment by public officers.
It coordinates the appointments to headship of statutory bodies, commissions and agencies by the president, deals with matters relating to conditions of service of political office holders. The office is in charge of intergovernmental affairs and relations with state and local governments and liaison with secretaries to state governments. The office of the SGF is also structured into six other offices - cabinet secretariat; general services office; political affairs office; economic affairs office; special services office; special duties office.
The SGF's office has the supervisory roles of the following offices: Ecological Fund, National Poverty Eradication Programme (NAPEP), National Economic Intelligence Committee, Presidential Advisory Council, Code of Conduct Tribunal, Code of Conduct Bureau, Petroleum Product Pricing Regulatory Agency, National Hospital, Federal Road Safety Commission, National Commission for Refugees, Nigerian National Volunteer Service (NNVS), Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), South-South Health Care Programme, National Agency for Control of AIDS (NACA), National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC), Ministry of Special Duties, Secretariat of the Presidential Advisory Council (PAC), Secretariat of the Presidential Committee on National Identification Systems, Consumer Credit and Outsourcing initiative, Galaxy backbone, NIMC, Christian Pilgrims Commission and National Hajj Commission.
Source: Leadership, 31st May 2011.
Back
|
