Greed, Ethics, and Public Service in Nigeria
Nigeria, a country with a rich cultural heritage and abundant natural resources, has grappled with the complex interplay of greed, ethics, and public service throughout its history. The nexus between these elements has had profound implications for the nation's development, governance, and the well-being of its citizens. The interplay of greed, ethics, and public service in Nigeria is a complex and ongoing challenge that requires sustained efforts from the government and the citizens. Addressing these issues is essential for the nation's progress and fostering a society where public servants are dedicated to serving the common good rather than their personal interests.
Margaret Smith opines, "Public service must be more than doing a job efficiently and honestly. It must be a complete dedication to the people and to the nation."
The greed of the political elite and civil servants has led to the deepening of low ethical and moral values in government and society. The arithmetic sum of this geometric rise of greed and the catastrophic decline of ethical values is an epidemic of corruption. I will demonstrate how far we have gone on this cancerous path and why the political leadership, bureaucracy and a docile cum compliant civil society are all responsible.
Greed and excessive desire for wealth, power, or material possessions have been pervasive in Nigerian society, not just in public service. This insatiable appetite for personal gain has prominently manifested in public service corruption. Fuelled by greed, corruption undermines the foundation of public institutions, erodes public trust, and hinders socio-economic progress. The multiple manifestations of greed and unethical conduct in Nigeria's public service are so common that they no longer make the news or attract public opprobrium unless they are humongous in nature.
It is a cliché that a budding politician of average means will, in just a short time in office, buy the latest car , 'choice-houses' at home and abroad and live a life of luxury greater than his official emoluments can cover. This is so normalized that people expect that of him, and if he fails to live up to this expectation, he is told off by his peers and family members.
Civil servants are not exempted from this cankerworm that has destroyed the fabric of our society. Political appointees rely on civil servants to guide and advise them; however, evidence abounds that they are the first to compromise and bend the rules for personal gain. Almost all spectacular public sector scandals have the seal of civil servant's compromise or are perpetuated by one. The establishment of EFCC, ICPC and