Anyim sworn-in as new SGF

President Goodluck Jonathan has charged the new the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Anyim Pius Anyim to bring his wealth of experience to bear in coordinating the incoming cabinet.

The president also urge him to assist in the transformation agenda of the administration.

Former Senate President, Anyim yesterday took oath as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

He takes over from Alhaji Ahmed Yayale.

His inauguration attracted all political bigwigs from the South East of the country.

Those in attendance include Governor Liyel Imoke, Sanotor Ike Ekweremadu, Jonathan Zwingina, Ike Nwachukwu, chrales Soludo, Andy Uba, Ifanyi Ararume, Ghali Na'Abba, Chibudum Nwuche, Austin Opara, Tony Anenih, Emeka Eziefe, former PDP chairman, Ikwesilisi Nwodo, Frank Nweke, outgoing minister of Health, Chukwu Onyebuchi.

The oath taking and apending of signature which started at 12.25 lasted for about 30minutes.

The president also thanked Yayale for his service to the country.

" 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 coordinate 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 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's business. Nigeria must have a government that truly palaces itself in the service of its citizens.

"All of us must together commit ourselves to the entrenched 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.

"Today, 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," he said.

Speaking on the selection process, the president said the former senator was considered based on his past track records both in private and piblic service.

This he said has made him to be among the men and women the nation needed at this time.

"selecting Senator Anyim, we took into cognisance his records of public service, his career as a senator, his role as the President of the Senate and his leadership skills that our nation need at this time. "Our nation need men and women who can match words with action, leaders who are ready to learn and lead at the same time," the president said.

Thanking the outgoing SGF, President Jonathan said he is one of the most experienced public officers the country has produced. This experience, the president said was brought to bear to the service of his fatherland.

"Let me on behalf of the federal government expressed our sincere appreciation to the out-going secretary to the government of the federation, Alhaji Yayale Ahmed for his serv ice to Nigeria.

" Yayale Ahmed served our country in many capacities including, federal permanent secretary, head of the civil service of the federation, minister of defence and finally as Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

"He is one of the most experienced public officers that Nigeria has produced. He brought that experience to bear to the service of his fatherland."

Reacting to his appointment the former Senate president said though he was not expecting the appointment, he however said he shares the vision of the president and ready to drive it to the best of his ability.

While describing his appointment as the will of God, Anyim assured on his appointment 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."

Responding to reporters question on the effect of his appointment on the South East push for the position of Speakership of the House of Representatives, Anyim said "but the party has zoned the position to the South East and as a loyal party member of the party I am bound by the decision of the party. Every loyal member of the party should be bound by the decision of the party."