The President, who spoke at the Presidential Villa at their swearing-in on Thursday, November 12, warned permanent secretaries against indulging in sabotage and corrupt practices.
He stressed that his administration would not condone excesses, indifference and incompetence.
Buhari said: “I must, however, sound a note of warning. It is within public domain that ministers as chief executives of their ministries and other government officials involved in policy formulation and implementation often complain of the intolerable levels of incompetence, indifference or even suspected sabotage by some of the top echelon of the civil service.
“Even where permanent secretaries, in some instances, are exempted from these accusations, they are still responsible and liable for failing to provide the required leadership, control and direction.
“This administration will not condone any excesses, indifference, incompetence, and corrupt practices in any form. Permanent secretaries are, therefore, advised to note these words of caution and disseminate them to civil servants.”
Of the 18 permanent secretaries, 16 were present to take oath of office.
The two permanent secretaries absent are Mr. Bamgbose Olukunle Oladele and Alhaji Mahmoud Isa-Dutse. They were said to have travelled out of the country and will take oath when they return.