Public Service and Democracy in Developing Societies: The Nigerian Experience

Abstract

The public service remains very critical and crucial to national development and democratic stability in developing societies. While years of military rule and authoritarian regimes in most developing societies have impacted negative political culture on the character and philosophy of the service, yet, its roles in national development cannot be undervalued. However, since military regimes and other authoritarian regimes have lost their appeal in modern government the need to reform public service to be in tune with democratic values becomes highly imperative. There is no gainsaying that the public service plays critical role in galvanising the nation and its resources to development. An efficient public service acts as catalyst in the development of nations. While on the other hand, its inefficiency can constitute as one of the heaviest millstones round the neck of developing nations. Therefore, it is important to note that the public service must be efficient to service the newly found democratic project for stability and survival of the polity. Since it is the vehicle and machinery of public policy formulation and implementation, the service has a very critical role to play. It is also worthy to note that democracy with its attractive valves will enhance the workings of the public service and redefine, re-orientate and reposition it to be more effective, mobile and productive partner in national reconstruction agenda. Public service must be a partner in reform driving which is imperative for democratic survival. This paper therefore intends to examine the symbolic and complementary roles of public service and democracy in developing societies especially a transiting society from authoritarian rule to democracy.

Achieving Good Governance and Development in Nigeria Through Decentralization: A Case Study of Ondo State

“…In spite of all efforts, the Nigerian Public Service still remains inefficient and incompetent in delivering its constitutional responsibilities(Suberu 2010; Suberu 2011).Recent research byOni, Oni and Gberevbie (2015) adopts descriptive and analytical approach in Nigeria to evaluate the exponential development, usage and the acceptance of Information Communication Technology, arguing for a methodical shift from the outdated approach to electronic administration, which enhances the delivery of public goods and services, The essential role of the public service institutions in Nigeria's development accounts for the several reforms aimed at reviving the state to efficiently and effectively deliver its constructional responsibility(Darma and Ali: 2014). Similar to other African governments, Nigeria has attempted to improve the performance of its public service through changes aimed at increasing the capacity for quality public service delivery as well as effective performance of the major governmental functions regarded as fundamental in sustainable socioeconomic development(ECA, 2010;Ayodele and Bolaji 2007).…”

“…Lorenzo (2013) the, essence of public service includes the regime taking action to provide the citizens with definite assistance funded by taxation, and possibly by private and public joint ventures. Whereas the private sector is responsible for efficiently providing private goods and services, the public sector is responsible for the provision of public goods and services(Darma and Ali 2014;Ayodele and …”