By Tapre Timine, Bayelsa
Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State on Wednesday formally swore in Dr Wisdom Ebiye Sawyer as the state’s 12th Head of Service (HoS).
Dr Sawyer’s appointment, which took effect on Tuesday, September 2, followed the retirement of Mrs Biobelemoye Charles-Onyema on August 31.
The swearing-in was conducted during the 172nd State Executive Council meeting at Government House, Yenagoa, where the governor also inaugurated two Special Advisers on Legal Matters, Dr Alabo Ozubide and Mr Inemo Oruebimiekumo.
Speaking at the event, Governor Diri described Sawyer’s elevation as a reflection of merit, integrity, and seniority within the state’s civil service.
“You were appointed as Head of Service not because you are from the governor’s local government area but because you have proven yourself as a man of integrity. Among your peers, you are the most senior.
“There are others who are qualified in several respects but have only one or two years left before retirement, and I do not intend to appoint another HoS before leaving office. Having reviewed your credentials, it is clear you will serve beyond my administration, just as I inherited your predecessor,” the governor stated.
Governor Diri instructed Sawyer, who is 55, to uphold professionalism, discipline, and loyalty in the civil service. He also directed him to carry out a comprehensive redeployment of staff at the State Pensions Board, including heads of departments, emphasising that only officers of unquestionable integrity should be assigned there. A report of the redeployment is to be submitted to the governor.
The governor commended Charles-Onyema, describing her as one of the finest administrators in Bayelsa’s civil service who had served with diligence and distinction.
Diri also charged the two newly appointed Special Advisers to demonstrate integrity in their roles and to strengthen collaboration with the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice.
