Challenges before new Head of Service

When the former Head of Service took on the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC) in an unprovoked contest for supremacy, this created confusion and was tantamount to a breach of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria from where the Civil Service Commission (FCSC) derived its existence, powers and responsibilities. In fact, had the […]

When the former Head of Service took on the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC) in an unprovoked contest for supremacy, this created confusion and was tantamount to a breach of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria from where the Civil Service Commission (FCSC) derived its existence, powers and responsibilities. In fact, had the former Head of Service succeeded in undermining the Civil Service Commission, he would have compromised the harmony, efficiency and effectiveness of the entire civil service structure. Discipline would have taken flight and the service would have become like a ship without a captain.

Therefore, the new Head of Service need to beware and avoid any action especially those taken by his predecessor that would encourage acrimony and unnecessary rivalry between his office and the Civil Service Commission and indeed other important agencies of government that contribute to the harmony, efficiency and productivity of the entire public service.

While swearing in the new Head of Service, President Jonathan reminded Professor Afolabi that he was stepping into the ‘big shoes’ of his predecessor.  Analysts and observers have interpreted the President’s statement to mean the many problems created by the former Head of Service and not actually any achievements attributed to him.

Professor Afolabi will also remember that the President expressed his displeasure at the poor relations between the offices of the Head of Service and the Civil Service Commission and in no uncertain terms charged the new Head of Service to ensure that such will not re-occur.

To have a virile, dynamic and result-oriented civil service, the office of Head of Civil Service and the Commission need to work in harmony and complement one another.

In fact, if those who manage either of the two institutions are not lawbreakers, there would be no need for any form of rivalry as the federal Constitution clearly spells out the role and functions of each institution which when adhered to will lead to better government performance and better service delivery to the people.

Professor Afolabi should endeavour not to tow the line of his predecessor as this would be counter-productive and ruinous in the long run. The predecessor spent his time on issues that were not important, seeking interpretation on matters that were very clear, misleading the President to make unnecessary orders, pushing memos he knows will never see the light of day and changing the public service rules contrary to the letter and spirit of the constitution.

The failure of Professor Afolabi’s predecessor in all his schemes and plots did not come as a surprise to observers and veterans of the civil service. Failure was inevitable as he never had the requisite experience and exposure before attaining that height.

Thus the new Head of Service should endeavour to build a service that works in harmony and whose primary concern should be the well being of the average civil servant and the Nigerian people as a whole.

One thinks that the new Head of Service will be successful if he keeps to the way he has started. It was a good move when Professor Afolabi visited on taking office    , the Federal Civil Service Commission and asked for cooperation and support from the latter.

To make a greater success of his tenure, the new Head of Service should endeavour to do the following: One, the Head of Service should engage more with his colleagues in the service and the commission in the interest of the service and not try to use the Presidency to undermine anybody. Two, he should pay attention to civil servants welfare, training and personnel issues like promotion and not the acquisition of power and authority the way his predecessor did. Three, partner with the Federal Civil Service Commission to create and identify vacancies for the employment of many of our youth. Four, tap the experience of the commissioners in the FCSC, most of who are retired and experienced civil servants. Five, identify officers in the office of the Head of Civil Service who are not fit for their positions and redeploy them. Six, fight corruption assiduously among civil servants. Situations exist where inexperienced officers are controlling billions of naira while their senior and more experienced ones are floating. This situation affects morale and dedication which is bad for the service. Seven, take interest and work on pension matters. The condition of pensioners nationwide is appalling.

Finally, the new Head of Service should wash his hands off the legacies, friends and past times of his predecessor so as to qualify for the blessing of a meritorious public service.

Mr. Rotimi Olaseinde, a retired civil servant, wrote from Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State