Rules and Ethical Conduct Guiding the Performance of the Public Service Sector

Abstract

there are rules and regulations, code of conducts as well as modus operandi that guide people in every organization, the Nigerian public service is not exempted from it. The public service of Nigeria has been characterized with a high level corruption, gross misconduct, financial misappropriation, embezzlement of public funds, nepotism, low value, and all manner of unethical behaviours. All these persist despite the plethora of studies carried out to sanitize the system. It is against this backdrop, this paper was written, so as to look into the ethical rules and values in the public service of Nigeria. The various concepts were analyzed. An empirical study, exploring the secondary source of collection was carried out. The utilitarian principle propounded by scholars Jeremy Bethnam and John Stuart Mill, formed our thought process. This theory is premised on the principle of the greatest level of happiness in a society. The following findings were discovered; that despite the works done by various scholars on ethics and values in the public service of Nigeria, all manner of unethical behaviours remain pervasive. Also, the campaign on instilling right ethical standards and value system in the service of Nigeria, is a continuous process. In submission, the following but not limited, were recommended; an overhauling of the public service to ensure everyone (workers and applicants) would imbibe the ethics and values of the public service, those who manage government’s affairs must lead by example, and the empowerment of the office of the citizens so as to serve as watchdog to these public servants.

Civic Engagement and Governance in Nigeria’s Public Service Sector

“…Coming from a broad perspective, the role of citizens engagement cannot be overemphasized, as it enables the society stand on the principles of equity cum fairness, as well as allowing persons to have a say in the governance of their societies and states. It upholds the tenets of communism cum spirit of ubuntu -I live because you live or live and let others live Ameh et al, 2024). Civic engagement supports democratic ethos as well as uphold social justice.…”

“…The Theory of Social Capital was used in the study. It was developed by Bourdieu and Coleman, as they were the foremost scholars who used the term capital, concurrently Ameh et al, 2024). Social Capital refers to human relationships, its importance and roles in societal development.…”

“…Empirical Analysis According to research conducted by Center for Civic Engagement (2024) at Illinois University, civic engagement has to do with the combining of human resources like intelligence, craft, expertise, values and the motivation that should follow, in making positive changes in our society as well as increasing the standard of living through state and non-state actors Ameh et al, 2024). There are plethora interventions one can embark on vis-a-vis civic engagement.…”