PRAETORIANISM AND THE PUBLIC SERVICE: ANALYSIS OF THE IMPACT AND CONSEQUENCES OF MILITARY RULE ON PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION IN NIGERIA

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact and consequences of military rule on the Public Service in Nigeria, as well as the major challenges that confront this principal administrative machinery of government in its drive to adjust itself to the demands of true democracy and good governance in Nigeria. This is done with a view to highlighting areas of emphasis in the on-going efforts at reform of the Public Service, and to make relevant recommendations towards making it more focused and adaptable to the needs of a truly democratic dispensation. Making use of library research methodology, the paper examined the impact and consequences of Military praetorianism upon the Public Service in Nigeria, especially as it relates to contemporary issues and challenges faced by the Nigerian Public Service. Listing viable alternative futures, the paper proffered new possibilities and solutions for re-positioning the Public Service, and urged Public Servants to rise up to the challenge of new innovations, and a new approach made mandatory by the imperatives of a new democratic order in the Country. The paper concluded that in this age of reforms the Public Service must accept the challenge of re-inventing itself and return to its pride of place. To do this the civil servant must shed the toga of civil master and rededicate itself to an irreversible return to the “tap” instead of aiming for the “top”.