BY DANIEL IDONOR

ABUJA –  PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday, declared that posterity will not forgive all public office holders in the country if they fail to deliver the dividends of democracy to the Nigerian people.

Speaking during the swearing-in of a new permanent secretary, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, the president said they would be betraying public trust if they fail to deliver on their mandate.

He said: “Given the several challenges with which we are confronted as a nation today, all of us who have been afforded the opportunity to serve in high public offices will be betraying the trust and the confidence of the people of this country if we serve with anything less than total commitment to doing the utmost for the good of our nation.”

He emphasised that all political office holders “have a duty to serve with consuming diligence and unshakeable faith in Nigeria that at the end we will be able to look back with confidence that posterity will judge us as having served with honour, dignity, loyalty and courage.”

The president pledged government’s commitment to meeting the obligation of civil servants in the discharge of their duties.

He said: “The Federal Government will continue to strive to meet its obligation with respect to critical needs of the civil servants to enable them perform their functions optimally.”

Jonathan said the appointment of Anastasia Daniel-Nwaobia, is a “challenge and a clear testimony to this administration’s commitment to ensuring just reward for proving diligence, dedication and commitment to the highest ideal of service to our father land.

“This principle is anchored on the believe that our transformation agenda can only be effectively driven by the modern, robust, vibrant, efficient and proactive civil servant.”

He urged civil servants to in turn “have the responsibility to ensure that every act is predicated on strict adherence to the highest standard of service delivery and grounded in transparency, integrity and uncommon diligence.”