Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola has urged civil servants to always submit themselves to the service of the people by discharging their responsibilities with fairness.
Fashola spoke on Monday at Lagos House, Ikeja during the inauguration of 16 permanent secretaries recently appointed in the state`s public service.
He advised the new permanent secretaries to discharge their duties in line with the service charter of the state.
The governor, who also inaugurated the state's six- member Tribunal of Inquiry on Chieftaincy Matters, said the government looked up to the appointees to implement its policies, urging them to submit themselves completely to the service of the people.
He said, "I welcome you to the leadership of the government of Lagos. You applied to be considered permanent secretaries; clearly nobody was compelled and these appointments were based on examinations and interviews.
"I hope you know what you have signed on to; you have signed on to enormous privileges and responsibilities. You have offered to serve the government and the people of the state conscientiously.
"By the oath office, you have committed yourself not to discriminate against the people you serve, either by tribe, by religion or by any form whatsoever.
"Indeed in this public space, even though you can choose who your friends will be, you cannot choose who you will serve.
"As you occupy this privileged leadership position, I expect you to be fair, just and do your work without fear or favour."
Fashola warned the appointees to keep official secrets, saying revealing them could undermine the government.
The governor said the Tribunal of Inquiry on Chieftancy Matters was constituted to address conflicts arising from chieftancy issues in the state.
While noting that members were people of integrity, he urged them to ensure that the right people become the leaders of the various communities in the state.
