Minister for Petroleum, Kerenga Kua, says he will not be interfering in the selection of a permanent Secretary for the Department of Petroleum.
In a statement, the Minister called on the public to respect the process of the Public Service Commission (PSC) in making the selection.
His statement comes after malicious comments were made in the media last week about public servants who were allegedly shortlisted by the Public Service Commission.
Minister Kua said political interference in the past has eroded Government systems and processes and he would like to see that this government avoids this trap.
He also said leaders needed to work with public servants that are appointed as department heads. And the PSC must in turn work with the highest integrity and select candidates that are of high standing and reputable.
“If there is belief that the process has been compromised in some way then this is a matter that the aggrieved can raise separately either in court or take up with the Commission,” he said.
It has been an issue for Minister Kua that in August he issued an internal advice informing my department staff and all candidates that he will not be interfering with the process of selection and will work with whoever is selected by the National Executive Council from the shortlist that the PSC provides.
The Minister said he will follow the public service process in the appointment of a permanent secretary for the Department of Petroleum.