No long leg needed — Governor Dikko Radda says hard work, not who you know, is the only way to the top in Katsina’s civil service.

Governor Dikko Radda has doubled down on his promise to clean up and professionalise the civil service in Katsina State, and he did it in style on Wednesday at the Government House Council Chamber.

Four new Permanent Secretaries — Abdu Usman, Sani Suleiman, Shamsuddeen Suleiman and Hussaini Yanduna — officially took their Oath of Office, and the Governor made it crystal clear: they earned it.

Speaking right after the ceremony, Radda said the whole selection process followed due civil service procedure to the letter. No favouritism, no backdoor.

“The entire selection process was conducted in accordance with established civil service procedures. These appointments were based on merit, and those sworn in today earned their positions through hard work, competence and dedication,” he said.

But it wasn’t just congratulations. The Governor gave them a proper charge. He told them the oath isn’t just ceremony for the cameras — it’s a lifelong commitment to integrity, accountability and faithful service.

“The oath of office is not merely a ceremony. It is a commitment to integrity, accountability and faithful service. If you live by its principles, you will succeed and leave behind a legacy worthy of emulation,” he added.

Radda also pointed out that the appointments show inclusiveness, with the new Perm Secs drawn from different LGAs. He did, however, flag a concern that some local governments couldn’t produce eligible candidates because they simply didn’t have officers with the required qualifications and grade levels — something he says his administration is fixing through sustained investment in human capital.

His message to the entire service? Quite blunt.

“Our goal is to build a civil service where every individual has the opportunity to rise based on merit—not because of who they know, where they come from, or family connections. Merit, competence, integrity and hard work must always come first.”

He directed the new Permanent Secretaries to carry that same spirit into their MDAs — fairness, transparency and due process in all appointments, promotions and career development. He also urged senior directors to mentor younger officers to keep the reforms alive.

For context, the new appointees are no newcomers. They bring decades of experience:

Abdu Usman holds a Master’s in Public Policy and Administration with over 30 years across KSACDP/IFAD, KTARDA, Government House, KATSACA and the Office of the SSG.

Sani Suleiman is a medical doctor and Fellow of the West African College of Physicians with stints at ABUTH, General Hospitals, Ministry of Health and the Hospital Services Management Board.

Shamsuddeen Suleiman holds advanced qualifications in Health Economics and Public Health and previously served as Executive Secretary of the Katsina State Primary Health Care Agency, where he led major reforms.

Hussaini Yanduna is a public health professional qualified in Dental Health, Community Health and Public Health, with experience in general hospitals and the Primary Health Care Management Agency, and he previously led both the Nigeria Labour Congress (Katsina Council) and the Joint Health Sector Unions.

Governor Radda says this is all part of a bigger plan — building a modern, efficient, accountable and citizen-focused civil service powered by professionalism and digital transformation.

Credit: cbinews.tv

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