POLITICISATION OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT APPOINTMENT AND SERVICE DELIVERY IN NIGERIA. A STUDY OF ENUGU STATE: 2007-2014
BY ASOGWA, OBIAGELI IFEOMA REG. NO: PG/M.Sc/14/68392
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA, NSUKKA
NOVEMBER, 2015 i
TITLE PAGE POLITICISATION OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT APPOINTMENT AND SERVICE DELIVERY IN NIGERIA. A STUDY OF ENUGU STATE: 2007-2014
BY
ASOGWA, OBIAGELI IFEOMA REG. NO: PG/M.Sc/14/68392
A PROJECT SUBMITTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA, NSUKKA, IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF MASTER OF SCIENCE (M.Sc.) DEGREE IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
SUPERVISOR: DR. B. A. AMUJIRI
NOVEMBER, 2015 ii
APPROVAL PAGE
This work has been approved for the Department of Public Administration and Local Government, Faculty of the Social Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
BY
DR. B. A. AMUJIRI ……………….. ………………. (PROJECT SUPERVISOR) Sign Date
PROF. (MRS) C.N. OGUONU ……………… ……………… (HEAD OF DEPARTMENT) Sign Date
PROF. I . A. MADU ……………… …………….. (DEAN, FACULTY OF THE SOC.SC ) Sign Date
…………………………. ………………. …………… (EXTERNAL EXAMINER) Sign Date.
iii
DEDICATION
The research is eternally dedicated to God Almighty and to my beloved daughter Faustina Chinecherem.
iv
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
In the course of this work, I got people’s help, advice and encouragement, which all assisted me in getting it through. Without God, my Creator and Enabler, I could have done nothing. I thank Him for keeping, sustaining and giving the wisdom, life and all opportunities to carry out this work successfully.
I must express my most sincere appreciation to my project supervisor, Dr. B.
A.Amujiri, for his painstaking and constructive critique. I deeply appreciate the new insights that our interaction brought into the work. Thank you Sir.
I wish to sincerely thank my beloved daughter, Faustinaa blessing from God, for her understanding and the support offered during this period of my hectic academic studies. God bless you so much for me.
I must not forget my able lecturers who in their own ways contributed to my academic success: Prof. Fab. O. Onah, Prof. (Mrs). R. C. Onah, Prof. (Mrs).C.N,
Oguonu, (HOD), Dr. B.A.Amujiri (my project supervisor), Dr.M.O. Ikeanyibe, Dr. C. U.
Agalamanyi, Dr.(Mrs). M.A.O. Obi and Dr. (Mrs.) S. U. Agu.
I am highly indebted to my colleagues in the office for giving me the much needed support. I say a “Big thank you” and God bless you all.
Asogwa, Obiageli. I Department of Public Administration & Local Government v
ABSTRACT
The growing importance of administration can be traced back not only to changes in the volume, complexity and specialization of government, but to changes in the relationship between governmental organizations and their environment. The nexus between the local government and democratic governance has been keenly explored on intense academic debates. These debates have aimed at beaming attention on systems such as poor service delivery, lack of accountability, poor staffing and total politicization of local government appointments. The study investigated politicisation of local government appointment and service delivery in Nigeria. Consequently, the study was conducted in Enugu State. The framework of analysis used in this study is the bureaucratic theory as propounded by Max Weber. The idea of neutral competence, or authority of expertise, as shown by appointed officials who were recruited on the basis of competence and expert knowledge, skills and experience were valuable for conducting the business of government and could help to educate politicians and restrain their partisan inclinations. The survey design method was adopted in the study. Data for the study were gathered through primary and secondary sources. The research findings based on our empirical investigation revealed among others that the employments/appointments given to local government workers were mostly based on party connections or political influence. This meant that majority of those who gain employment or appointment into the local government were those people who had political god-fathers such as the Local Government Chairman, Party Chairman, Commissioners, and even the Executive Governor of the State. The study recommended among others that government should provide appropriate laws that should be enacted to check the excesses of political influence over matters that were purely bureaucratic in nature, especially, employment, appointment, training, posting and discipline of Staff. And the boundary of authority between the politicians and administrators should be clearly stated to enable bureaucrats control, discipline and manage their subordinates without fear of victimization. By so doing, the service delivery capacity of the Local Governments would be enhanced in terms of efficiency, effectiveness and greater productivity. vi
TABLE OF CONTENTS Title page ------i Approval page ------ii Dedication ------iii Acknowledgements ------iv Abstract ------v Table of Contents ------vi
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study ------1 1.2 Statement of the Problem ------6 1.3 Objectives of the Study ------8 1.4 Significance of the Study ------9 1.5 Scope and Limitations of the Study ------10 CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW AND RESEARCH PROCEDURE 2.1 Literature Review ------11 2.1.1 The Concept of Politics ------11 2.1.2 The Nature of Politics in Nigeria ------13 2.1.3 The Concept and Level of politicization in Nigeria - - -15 2.1.4. Local Government Conceptualized ------17 2.1 5 Reasons for the Establishment of Local Government - - - - 20 2.1.6 Foundation of Nigeria local government (Native Authority-1903-1950) - - 22 2.1.7 The Collapse of the Native Authority System (1950-1966) - - 24 2.1.8. Local Government under the Military Rule (1966-1976) - - 25 2.1.9 The 1976 local government reforms and After-Maths-1976-1983 - 26 2.1.10 Local Government since 1999 ------27 2.1.11 Appointment in Local Government in Enugu State - - - - 28 2.1.12 Manifestation of Politicization in Enugu State Local Government System - 30 2.1.13Implications of Politicization of Local Government Appointment vii
and Service Delivery in Enugu State - - - - - 32 2.2 Theoretical Framework ------32 2.3 Hypotheses ------37 2.4 Operationalization of the Key Concepts ------38 2.5 Research Procedure ------40 2.5.1 Types of Study ------40 2.5.2 Data Gathering Instrument ------40 2.5.3 Population of Study ------41 2.5.4 Sample Size ------41 2.5.5 Sample Procedure ------42 2.5.6 Validation and Reliability of Instrument ------43 2.5.7 Method of Data Analysis ------43 CHAPTER THREE: BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON ENUGU STATE 3.1 Historical Development ------44 3.2 Administrative Structure ------45 3.3 Geography ------46 3.4 History ------47 3.5 Politics ------48 3.6 Administrative Divisions ------48 3.7 Economy ------49 3.8 Energy ------49 3.9 Education ------50 3.10 Medical Development of Enugu State ------52 3.11 Culture and Tradition of the People of Enugu State - - - - 52 3.12 List of Administrators and Governors of Enugu State - - - - 56 CHAPTER FOUR: DATA PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND FINDINGS 4.1 Data Presentation ------57 4.2 Analysis ------71 4.3 Findings ------72 viii
CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY, RECOMMENDATIONS AND CONCLUSION 5.1 Summary ------75 5.2 Recommendations ------76 5.3 Conclusion ------78 BIBLIOGRAPHY APPENDIX
1
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.3 Background to the Study
The term local government administration in Nigeria has attracted serious attention both nationally and internationally since the great local government reform of
1976. Local government is the closest tier of government to the people of Nigeria, yet the resident population in it is denied the benefits of its existence. The failure of local government in the area of service delivery over the years has made the citizens to loose faith and trust in local government administration as an institution in Nigeria. From historical perspective, modern local government administration in Nigeria can be traced to the British system of local government. But it should be stated however, that local administration did not start with the advent of British Administration in Nigeria, because some forms of system of local government administration pre-dated the British rule.
Local government administration is one of man’s oldest institutions. The earliest form of local governments’ administration existed in the form of clan and village meetings. In fact, democracy itself originated and developed along the lines of local governance initiative in the ancient Greek City States. It should be noted however, that in other parts of the world, local governance was developed along the people’s culture and expectations, and the system was tied to the norms and practices of the people (Aghayere
1997).
From a plethora of conceptions, such as synonym for civil service to a pejorative term for inefficiency and corrupt systems, the usage that has dominated the social 2 sciences is bureaucracy as a form of organization. According to Dudley, (2003: 126) “the term bureaucracy is believed to have its origin as a reference to a cloth covering the desks of French government officials in the 18th century”. However, most authorities have linked the study of bureaucracy to the intellectual legacy of Max Weber, a German sociologist, who conducted his studies at the turn of the 19th century. Weber’s conception of bureaucracy is understandable in terms of his focus on the legitimization of power in societies. Thus, bureaucratic organization according to Max Weber as pointed out by
Farlex (2001:4) is governed by the following principles:
§ Official business is conducted on a continuous basis; Official business is
conducted strictly in accordance with laid down rules and regulations;
§ The duty of each official to do certain types of work is delimited in terms of
impersonal criteria;
§ The official is given the authority necessary to carry out his assigned function;
among others.
In the light of the above, specialists in the subject of bureaucracy increasingly stress how successful the practice of the Weberian ideal bureaucracy has been in the
Western World. In the Third World countries however, Onah, (2003:204) has noted that:
Paradoxically, bureaucracies in the Third World regimes are moving in opposite direction. Third World States like Nigeria, inherited albeit with variations according to colonial power- western style of public administrations based on professionalism, internal controls, merit recruitment and promotion. Yet they have increasingly turned to overt partisan political controls and to a system of recruitment and promotion on the basis of declared political loyalty and commitment.
3
He stressed that the local government bureaucracy has been more than any other bureaucratic institution in Nigeria, affected by this rather regrettable muddling. In a similar vein, Dudley, (2003:127) observed that “three important themes relate the study of public bureaucracies to the political environment and political structures of which they are a part. The above dictum connotes the inseparability of administration and politics. In the light of this, Carl Friedich cited in Bagaji, (2002: 12) asserts that:
The idea of a dichotomy between politics and administration is a ‘misleading distinction’ which had become a fetish, stereotype in the minds of theorists and practitioners alike.
Thus, one of the areas politics has had great impact on administration on bureaucracy is that of the control of political system over bureaucratic appointments, recruitment, promotion and the overall performance of the local government bureaucracies. In furtherance of this practice, the adoption of the Presidential System of government in Nigeria as practised in the United States of America, has immensely contributed to the politicization of the Civil Service from the federal to the local government level. At the state level, Section 198 of the same 1999 Constitution of
Nigeria empowers States’ Governors as follows:
Except in the case of ex-officio members or where other provisions are made in this constitution, the Chairman and members of any of the bodies so established shall, subject to the provisions of the constitution, be appointed by the Governor of the State and the appointment shall be subject to confirmation by a resolution of the House of Assembly of the State.
4
At the local government level therefore, the appointment of the senior civil servants, that is, the bureaucrats on Grade levels 07 and above is done by the Local
Government Service Commission of every state. In line with the above, Enugu State
Local Government Service Commission, (2000: 26) has pointed out the following as its composition, structure and functions:
i. The Local Government Service Commission shall comprise the Chairman and
not less than two (2) members and not more than four (4) members who shall
in the opinion of the Executive Governor are persons of unquestionable
integrity and sound political judgment.
ii. A member of the Commission shall remain in office for a period of five (5)
years from the date of his appointment provided he remains in good health and
good conduct.
iii. In exercising its powers to make appointment or to exercise disciplinary
control over persons, the Commission shall not be subject to the direction or
control of any other authority. In terms of its function, the Service Commission
further outlined the following:
a. To appoint, promote, discipline local government employees on grade
levels 07 and above.
b. To set up uniform guidelines for appointment, promotion and discipline.
c. To monitor the activities of each local government on appointment,
discipline and promotion of local government employees on grade level 01- 5
06 in order to ensure that the guidelines for such are strictly and uniformly
adhered to.
d. To serve as an appellant body for all petitions from Local Government staff
in respect of appointment, promotion and discipline. The powers of the
Commission among others also include power for training and manpower
development. In connection with the comprehensive functions of the Local
Government Service Commission, Chapter 11 Section 14, subsection 3 of
the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 states as follows:
The composition of the government of the Federation or any of its agencies and the conduct of its affairs shall be carried out in such a manner as to reflect ‘the Federal Character of Nigeria and the need to promote national unity, and also to command national loyalty thereby ensuring that there shall be no predominance of persons from a few state or from a few ethnic or other sectional groups in that government or in any of its agencies.
Undoubtedly, this section of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria which emphasizes the principle of Federal Character as a parameter for recruitment and appointment is absolutely a negation of the Weberian ideal bureaucratic practice. As Okoli, (2004: 109) rightly noted: Representation of states, ethnic or any other sectional groups, especially religious groups, in the composition of the federal bureaucracy has, thus, superseded recruitment on the basis of knowledge and technical qualification as determined through a competitive examination. From the foregoing background, it is obvious that bureaucracy, originally, is concerned with rationality, merit, efficiency and effectiveness 6 in the appointment and promotion of organizational workers, so as to enhance organizational efficiency in terms of service delivery.
However, the Nigerian Civil Service and the local government bureaucracy in particular have been highly politicized due to so many factors ranging from the form of government in practice (Presidential System) whereby bureaucratic appointments are done by elected political office holders – the President, Governor and/or authorities authorized by them. Coupled with Chapter 11 Section 14, subsection 3 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 which lay emphasis on the Federal character principle have consequently made bureaucratic appointment and recruitment into the
Federal, State and Local Government in Nigeria to be based on factors such as party affiliation, religion, ethnic group as well as family relation rather than merit. The central argument of this paper therefore, is that, inspite of any advantage of politicization of the local government appointment the phenomenon has rendered the system unaccountable, inefficient and unable to attain its pre-stated goals (Onah, 2003:203). It is against this background that this study intends to investigate how politicization of local government appointments and service delivery in Nigeria with particular reference to Enugu State.
1.4 Statement of the Problem
Local Government Administration in Nigeria has witnessed several reforms since independence with a view to achieving the much desired efficiency, effectiveness and responsive government at the grass root levels. Hague (1997) asserted that, these reforms were due to the problem of poor accountability facing the perceived role of local government in regional development. Igbuzor (2007) notes that among such reforms were 7 the 1976 reforms which conceptualized Local Government as the third tier of government operating within a common institutional framework with defined functions and responsibilities. Between1984 to 1992 there were reforms aimed at ensuring local government autonomy. These included the abolition of the Ministry of Local
Government; establishment of Executive and Legislative Arms in Local Councils; and direct allocation to Local Government without passing through State government. This in the words of Dalhatu (2007) is perhaps the most sticking national reforms in the Local
Government system in Nigeria. The regime also increased Local Government statutory allocation from 15 percent to 20 percent with effect from 1992 (Igbuzor, 2007).
Thus, Local Government reforms aimed at solving the inherent structural problems in the Local Government. Despite the introduction of the above mentioned reforms, the much desired efficiency, effectiveness and service delivery at the Local
Government level remain intangible. This, according to Onah ( 2003) ranges from the fact that the Local Government is overstaffed due to arbitrary employment and incompetent employees. Over the years, the Enugu State Local Government Service
Commission have been carrying out appointments of staff. There is high level of redundancy, truancy, and misconducts in the Local Government. This adversely affects the service delivery capacity of the Local Government, coupled with issues of corruption, mismanagement and misappropriation of funds. From the foregoing, this study is poses the following research questions; 8
1. How does the politicization of local government appointments affect the
management of human and material resources of local government in Enugu
State?
2. What are the consequences of non compliance with appointment guidelines?
3. What are the workable suggestions that would lead to compliance with
appointment guidelines to enable the Local Government achieve the much desired
efficiency and service deliver?
1.3 Objectives of the Study
The study has broad objective and specific objectives. The broad objective of the study is to investigate the politicization of local government appointment and service delivery in Nigeria with particular references to Enugu State. The specific objectives of the study are:
1. To examine how politicization of local government appointment affect the
management of human and material resources in the local government in Enugu
State.
2. To ascertain the consequences of non compliance with appointment guidelines.
3. To make workable suggestions that would lead to compliance with appointment
guidelines to enable the Local Government achieve the much desired efficiency
and service deliver in Enugu State. 9
1.4 Significance of the Study
The study has both empirical and theoretical significance
Empirically, the outcome of the study will benefit the people of Enugu State and
Nigeria in general, why local government has been unable to carry out its constitutionally assigned responsibilities effectively. The research is important in that it would bring to lime light, the contribution factors to the problems of poor management of local government and the general implications on national development.
Further, the study will be of immense importance to those occupying bureaucratic positions as well as those aspiring for such positions in the local government as it acquaints them with the powers political leaders have over the bureaucrats pertaining to employment of staff. It educates Nigerians on how political actions in the Local
Government administration affect administrative efficiency and service delivery.
Theoretically, the study is a very useful source of research material for students of public administration and Local Government Studies in particular and other interested researchers. The study will contributes immensely to the existing body of knowledge in the field of public administration and local government bureaucracy in particular. 10
1.5 Scope and Limitations of the Study
In this research on the politicization of local government appointment and service delivery in Nigeria, the study is limited to Enugu State. The study is of the view that since the inception of the system of local government in Nigeria, there had been persistent politicization of the leaders and staff of the local government as the third tier of governance in the federation. It is interesting to note that even the federal/state government has in recent times joined in championing the course of politicization of the operations of local government .
Limitations of the Study
In the course of carrying out this research, some limitations that prevailed were challenges of accessibility. The access to most government records relevant to this research was very strenuous. The road network was also a limitation. In the course of going to source for material especially in the local government located in the rural areas, the road were in a deplorable condition. Further constraint in the course of this study is closely associated with doubt about the essence of the study. Ignorance, especially among some rural people in some local government to risky behaviours in giving the researcher the necessary information on the study was very difficult. However, the enormous body of literature in the internet, published and unpublished materials helped the researcher to overcome the effects of these constraints. 11
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW AND RESEARCH PROCEDURE
2.1 Literature Review
Literature in this section is reviewed under the following sub-themes:
§ The Concept of Politics
§ The Nature of Politics in Nigeria
§ The Concept and Level of politicization in Nigeria
§ Local Government Conceptualized
§ Reasons for the Establishment of Local Government
§ Foundation of Nigeria local government (Native Authority-1903-1950)
§ The Collapse of the Native Authority System (1950-1966)
§ Local Government under the Military Rule (1966-1976)
§ The 1976 local government reforms and After-Maths-1976-1983
§ Local government since 1999
§ Appointment in Local Government in Enugu State
§ Manifestation of Politicization in Enugu State Local Government System
§ Implications of Politicization of Local Government Appointment and Service
Delivery in Enugu State
2.1.1 The Concept of Politics
The concept, politics is derived from the Greek word polis, which means a city- state where the Greeks lived. Before the emergence of modern government, the Greeks 12 were bothered by such fundamental questions as: how do we ensure equitable distribution of the societal resources? Should we have a government and why? If we must have a government, who should control it, the rich or the poor or every citizen whether wise, foolish or selfish? If all citizens have a right to share in controlling the government, how can we prevent the foolish or selfish citizens from causing disaster? How do we prevent or at least control crime in the society? Such and similar questions gave birth to the concept and practice of politics in modern time (Ward, 1976, Omale, 2001).
Thus, the multiplicity and diversity of the perspectives from which individual scholars and practitioners can and often tend to view politics have naturally resulted in a plethora of definitions. Accordingly, Alfred de Graxia cited in Omale, (2002: 2) viewed politics as “the events that happen around the decision making centers of government”.
This definition appears vague and ambiguous. William Blulm, quoted in Omale (2001:2) is more specific when he posits that “politics is a social process characterized by activity involving rivalry and cooperation in the exercise of power and culminating in the making of decisions for a group”. Blulm’s definition is more elaborate in the sense that politics is actually a social process because, man the “political animal” is the major actor who struggles for power and to exercise the same power over his fellow man. Furthermore, in politics the process of acquiring power and exercising it brings about disagreement and cooperation among the citizens.
Against this background, David Easton cited in Hembe, (1997:4) defined politics as the authoritative allocation of values in the society. In this sense, Easton meant that in every human society, there are values-resources, position and materials collectively 13 owned by the citizens. But the political question of “who gets what, when and how” is the concern of the term politics. Hence, in every modern society or state, there are individuals, institutions or bodies either appointed or elected that are legally charged with the duties of allocating the “values” in the society. It is these individuals that actually determine who gets what, when and how. On the whole, the political system is a part of the social system comprising all those activities which have to do with the formulation and execution of social cum public policy. This is done through the institutions of the state such as the Executive, the Legislature, the Judiciary, administrative agencies as well as other governmental institutions including the Local governments that ‘play a part in the political interaction within the system (Hembe, 1997; Okafor, 2005).
Thus, genuine politics is seen as an effort to influence public policy and to do so at least in the name of the public good. Politics is debased or ennobled depending on how far self interest is blended with a broader public interest and on the extent to which ideals of justice and citizenship are upheld. Politics is the resolution of human conflict, it is the process by which society authoritatively allocates resources and values; it is the process by which society makes decisions or evolves policies, it is the exercise of power and influence in society (Rush, 1992:4).
2.1.2 The Nature of Politics in Nigeria
Nigeria is essentially an artificial creation, which like most other African states, is product of colonialism (file://A:\The%20civil%20service.htm). This fact is central to understanding the country’s government and politics, which have been conditioned and bedeviled by the problem of accommodating several diversities; ethnic, linguistic, 14 geographical, religious and class division. In terms of ethnic diversity, there are between
250 and 400 distinct languages in Nigeria (Mongabay.com). This diversity in ethnic group has posed a great threat to the peace and tranquility of Nigerian government and politics since independence. As Mongabay, (2006:3) has rightly pointed out:
British colonial rule nurtured north-south separation, which has remained the classic cleavage in the country. . . During the struggle for independence, northern leaders were afflicted by a constant fear of the southern domination. Many of the northern responses to national politics to this day can be to this fear. At the same time, with the creation of three regions that saw the northern region larger in size and population than the two southern regions, there was also a southern fear of northern domination.
In terms of class division in the Nigerian politics, Nnadozie, (2004:3) posits that:
. . . the greatest problem facing Nigeria which is the issue of governance. A situation where governance is synonymous with self-enrichment of a few who control the instruments of the state is preposterous. The result has been a marked feature of inequity in the society with a tiny minority living in undeserved affluence and stupendous extravagance while the rest starve and live in abject poverty and indignity. One inhuman government or dictatorship (irrespective of military or civilian) gives way to a worse one. All these have led to a frustrated and hungry citizenry pushed to the dungeon of forlorn, squalor, and endemic corruption, banditry and social decay that are being experienced in the country today.
He maintains that, as a consequence, those in authority take on the posture of demi-gods and have become uncontrollable imposing on the people what can only be described as indigenous colonial system. From all indications, one can safely assert that the nature of politics in Nigeria is characterized by ethnic rivalry, class struggle, electoral malpractices, thuggery, kidnapping and killing of people, uneven distribution of the national cake, religious crises and inconsistent policy formulation and execution. Others 15 include: corruption, favouritism and politicization of the public service. It is against this background that this study intends to investigate politicisation of local government appointment and service delivery in Nigeria with particular reference to Enugu State
2.1.3 The Concept and Level of politicization in Nigeria
The concept of politicization has been given different meanings within different traditions of thought. We shall in the tradition of most academic discussions present a number of definitions/levels of politicization offered by a number of authorities.
According to Roger Charlton cited in Onah, (2003:206), politicization is a process by which politicians control bureaucracy by means of manipulating recruitment, education, training and promotions to imbue bureaucracies with overt explicit commitments to the political goals of government of the day. Stanhlberg, (1987: 365) also cited in Onah,
(2003: 206) distinguishes five orientations of politicization, starting from a general level of conceptualization and ending at a concrete and operational level of thinking about politicization.
1. That is said to occur when the public sector grows and its regulation of private
matters increase. This orientation is found within a critical theory orientation and
it tied to notions about the state and the economy. Another equally general notion
is to tie politicization to functionalistic orientation, whereby the control capacity of
the political leadership necessary to adapt the public service to changing
conditions of service delivery. In this sense, a politicized administration is seen as
one that reacts favourably to political signals. 16
2. In a slightly more delimited version, politicization is tied directly to the
relationship between political and administrative power. Here, the bureaucracy is
politicized in the sense that it increases its autonomy vis-à-vis political power.
Administrative powers are delegated by politicians in many cases through-laws
but for practical purposes, civil servants’ discretionary power is increased along
with their capacity to further augment their degrees of freedom. This connotes the
fact that politicization is undue political interference within the bureaucracy. Thus,
the less autonomous the administration is with regard to the political power, the
more politicized it is (Onah, 2003; Okoli, 2003, Okafor, 2005).
3. A third line of thought is that of a representative bureaucracy. Here, politicization
is seen in relation to the general public. Bureaucracy is politicized, and it is likely
to be responsive to popular demands to the extent that the administrators reflect
the composition of the society. Politicization is seen here in terms of the
relationship between bureaucracy and it’s environment outside government
(Kingsley, in Onah, 2003).
4. More concretely, politicization is viewed in terms of attitude and behaviour of
bureaucrat. It is analyzed or measured, the extent to which bureaucrats participate
in political parties or supply the parties with information and partisan advise. This
view seems to be based on idea of traditional bureaucracy being neutral and
hostile to pluralistic politics and to political participation. From this perspective,
politicization is generally held to an indication of modernism. 17
5. The bureaucracy is seen as politicized to the extent that the party political criteria
are accorded greater weight in recruitment than the more conventional merit
principles. On the whole, it is obvious that in most countries in which the
politicization of administration has been a part of the public debate, it has been
tied to the recruitment and promotion of civil servants, especially in the local
government system.
2.1.4. Local Government Conceptualized
Studies have revealed that no country or state can effectively and efficiently administer its entire land mass/people from the center alone. Consequently, there is decentralization of governmental powers from the center to a sub-level of government referred to as local government. In the light of the above, Barber, (1978) cited in Bagayi,
(2002: 92) has pointed out that:
Some degree of local government characterizes every state in the world, and the significant point is not the mere existence of local government but the degree of such local powers.
To Barber therefore, local government connotes “a sublevel of government smaller than that of the state or central government which has and enjoys some degree of autonomy to determine and to execute matters within a restricted areas”. In line with the above, Olisa et al, (1990:93) cited in Ezeani (2004:25) defined local government as “a unit of government below the central, regional or state government established by law to exercise political authority, through a representative council within defined area”. In a 18 similar vein, the United Nations’ office for Public Administration quoted in Ezeani,
(2004:25) defines local government as:
. . . a political sub-division of a nation or (in a federal system) state, which is constituted by law and has substantial control of local affairs, including the power to impose taxes or to exert labour for prescribed purpose. The governing body of such an entity is elected or otherwise locally selected.
Despite the wide appeal or acceptance of the above definition, it has some flaws.
The assertion that the governing body of a local government can be “locally selected” is faulty. It implies that in the case of Nigeria for instance, all the Caretaker Committees of management and Sole Administrator system instituted by the various military administrations and even civilian administrations as we have in Enugu State presently can still be seen as local government whereas, in actual fact, such appointed bodies are mere brands of local administration rather than local government (Ozor, 2003; Ezeani, 2004 and Onah, 2003). Furthermore, the definition of local government as contained in the
Guidelines for A Reform of Local Government in Nigeria (1976:1) quoted in Bagaji,
(2002:93) aptly captures the essential characteristics of local government when it states that local government is:
Government at the local level exercise through representative council, established by law to exercise specific powers within defined areas. These powers should give the councils substantial control over local affairs as well as the staff, institutional and financial power to initiate and direct the provision of services and to determine and implement projects so as to complement the activities of the State and Federal Government in their area and to ensure, through active participation of the people and their traditional institutions, that local initiative and response to local needs and conditions are maximized. 19
From the foregoing, Ezeani, (2003: 26-29) has outlined the following as the cardinal characteristics of local government.
i. Localness: Local government is the lowest tier of government. It is government
at the grassroot level. Hence, it is subordinate but not subservient to the higher
levels of government – Federal, State or regional governments.
ii. It has a legal existence enshrined in the constitution. This protects it from
arbitrary actions of higher authority. As a legal entity, it can sue or be sued.
iii. It enjoys substantial autonomy: This implies that although local governments
are creations of the State or federal government, and therefore, are subjected to
State or federal government control in certain areas, nevertheless, they enjoy a
reasonable degree of independence in administrative and financial affairs. For
example, the local governments enjoy considerable autonomy in the
preparation of annual estimate (budgets), hiring, control and discipline of their
own staff subject to a certain upper limit and the execution of certain projects
(Ozor, 2003: 19).
iv. It exists within a defined territory, local government is a political sub-division
of a nation or state and it exists within a geographical and political territory
which has well defined boundaries (Ozor, 2003: 18).
v. Local government exercises its authority over a given population.
vi. It exercises specific powers and performs certain functions as enshrined in the
constitution (In the case of Nigeria, see 4th schedule, section 7 of 1999
Constitution). 20
vii. The council is composed of elected representatives of the local people.
viii. Local government is usually divided into departments, division and units
including wards which facilitate the accomplishment of its goals, objectives
and functions.
2.1 5 Reasons for the Establishment of Local Government
A lot of reasons have been given for the evolution and creation of local governments in Nigeria. These range from political, social and economic reasons. Over the years, there has not been a general consensus as to the precise role local government should play, this singular factor makes the problem regarding the objectives of local governments most important. The following are seen as the purpose for the creation of local governments in Nigeria.
I. To Bring Governance Closer to the People
Local government functions to bring democracy to the local citizens as well as to educate and socialize them politically; participation of the citizens in governance is one of the underlying percepts of democracy. Due to the vast nature of the country (Nigeria), the presence of governments whether at the federal or state levels was not well felt by the people, and this led to neglect and distrust of government by the people. In a bid to bring the activities of government closer to the people, local governments were created to serve as conduits through which government’s policies are communicated to the people
(Aigbakoba and Ogbonna 2004).
21
II. For Administrative Convenience
Local government serves as a channel through which policies and programmes from the state and federal government are communicated and implemented. This is because there are many functions that will be cumbersome for the state and federal governments to perform because of the distance separating them and the people e.g:
(a) Collection of rates, radio and television licenses;
(b) Registration of births, deaths and marriages registry etc.
The local government was also created to serve as the representative of both the federal and state governments amongst the local people. It is a channel through which policies are communicated and implemented (Aigbakoba and Ogbonna 2004).
III. To Ensure That Resources are Effectively Mobilized
This is to arouse in the citizens the zeal or willingness to contribute financially, materially and morally to the management of local affairs. Local governments are created to bring about meaningful development in the rural areas through the effective mobilization of resources. Local government use the funds made available to it by both federal and state governments and their internally generated revenue to improve on the lives of the people within their areas of operations (Aghayere 1997).
IV. To Preserve Heritage and Common Interest of the People
In Nigeria today, there are over 364 ethnic groups with diverse cultures and tongues. These ethnic groups are further divided into communities. These communities form the constituents/areas of local governments in Nigeria. By carving out local governments from amongst people of the same community, government is preserving 22 such long traditional associations and using same to foster the interest of the people concerned. The creation of local government is intended to bring people of common heritage or ancestry together as a political unit to further their interests and increase their participation in government business.
It should be noted that, the broad objective of establishing local government is placed on the service delivery function. When roads are bad, when there are no markets stalls, no health centres, when there is no water, no drugs in the local dispensaries and when refuse is littered all around the place etc, the ordinary citizen blames it on the local government. It follows, therefore, that local government administration is established to affect citizens through the service delivery function (Aghayere 1997).
2.1.6 Foundation of Nigeria local government (Native Authority-1903-1950)
According to Kirk-Green (1965) one major characteristics of local governments in
Nigeria from its inception has been the fact that the designers or reformers have other interest outside the desire to evolve an enduring political system. He indicated that the guideline for indirect rule was laid down by Sir. George Goldie, the director of the Royal
Niger Company in 1886. In doing this he was of the opinion that Nigerians would rather be misgoverned by their leaders than governed by the best of British Officials. It is however, a fact that the indirect rule Principle which formed the platform for the introduction of the Native Authority System was merely the most convenient form of administration in view of shortage of Personnel and cost of an alternative which could have been direct British rule. It was therefore convenient to posit as Lord Lugard (1922) 23 did in 1914 that there was no desire on the part of the British colonial government to impose on the Nigerian people any theoretically suitable form of government but rather to evolve from their own institutions based on their own habit of thought, prejudices and customs, the forms of rule best suited to them and adapted to meet the new conditions.
In the Dual Mandate, Lord Lugard expressly stated the convenient justification for the native Authority system of Local Government Administration which made it debut in
Northern Nigeria. In his words: The object in view made Emir or Paramount Chief assisted by his judicial council, an effective ruler over his own people. He presides over a native Administration organized throughout as a unit of local government. The area over which he exercises jurisdiction is divided into districts under the control of Headmen.
The Emir appoints and dismisses his subordinate chief and officials. He exercises the power of allocation of lands and with the aid of the Native Courts, of adjudication in lands disputes and expropriation offences against the community. To intrigue against him is an offence punishable by law if necessary in a provincial court. Thus both British and Native Courts are invoked to uphold his Authority. It is the consistent aim of the
British staff to maintain and increase the prestige of the Native ruler, to encourage his initiative and support his Authority. The convenience factor in the introduction of the
Native Administration system as founded on the indirect rule system of government has been properly explained by I.M Okonjo. After identifying Sir. George Goldie (1989) and
Sir. Ralph Moor (1998) as having talked about the need to exercise power through indigenous institutions, provided justifications for the introduction of the Native 24
Authority System (Indirect Rule). It was thought that this was the best option given
Northern Nigeria’s land mass and population put at 32,000sq miles and 20million
2.1.7 The Collapse of the Native Authority System (1950-1966)
According to Gboyega (1987) it was obvious by the late 1940s that the Native
Authority System of local administration in Nigeria had lost national appeal. Educated
Nigerians and some of the traditional ruling elites started pushing for a more participatory system of local administration. The native authorities gave way to representatives local authorities. First in the Eastern Region in 1950 and then in the Western Region in 1952 as a result of their inadequacies of response to demands for wider participation and development. Educated elites including the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo constituted a think-tank for the Nigerian peoples resistance to a non-representative and non participatory system which the Native Authority System represented in the East and West of Nigeria. They saw this as an unacceptable modification of the monarchial system of government of the pre-colonial era. Chief Awolowo’s counter parts in Eastern region also stepped up their efforts by preparing a memorandum for study by the unofficial members of the Eastern house of Assembly. These efforts articulated some fundamental defects in the Native Authority System. One, it decried the non-representativeness of the existing arrangement. Two, the government was adjudged not responsive. Three, the councils were seen to have lacked effective revenue base for meaningful development. Finally, there were acute shortages of required personnel for effective local administration.
The wave of reforms crystallized first into the local government ordinance of 1950 in the Eastern region and the Western regional local government law. According to 25
Oyewo (1987) the 1950 local government ordinance was conceived to give democracy and representativeness to local governments. It had three tiers namely: the county council, the district council and the local council. Whereas the county councils were responsible for road and customary courts. The district council provided for health and sanitation while the local councils were saddled with other petty services.
However, the county councils were plagued by the problem of corruption, mismanagement of funds, nepotism and conflict of authority and severe inter governmental relation problems. It was so bad that the county councils were abolished in
1958. There was also desperate agitation for local councils leading to mushrooming and creations of unviable councils.
2.1.8. Local Government under the Military Rule (1966-1976)
Offenberg (1967) indicated that barely half a decade after political independence civil rule faced a very serious challenge. The prevalence of corruption in the entire political system negatively affected Nigeria’s dream of grassroot politicking and local administration that would turn around the human condition for the better. Things grew worse barely two to three years of nationhood as corruption, social instability and chronic ethnic divisions became the order of the day. This led Nigeria to experience the first time in its political history full blown military take over. It consequently led to the dissolution of the divisional, district and local councils.
The military Governors were directed to appoint divisional officers as sole administrators. Essentially this policy drive returned Nigeria to the era of full centralization as the military commands is unitary and pyramidal. With the creation of 12 26 states in 1967 and further administrative realignment, the local councils lost virtually all competent positions to offer good conditions of service.
2.1.9 The 1976 local government reforms and After-Maths-1976-1983
According to Alex Gboyega (1987) the 1976 local government reform has come to be identified as the reference point for any meaningful discussion of local government system as an avenue for participatory democracy. He indicated that massive recommendations were presaged by the recommendations of the Public Service Review
Commission of 1974. The1974 commission had reported two basic types of local administrations – the councilor and Divisional systems. The councilor system consist of representative councils which takes decisions by majority vote while the divisional administration was a form of local administration run through decentralized machinery of the state government. Riding on the crest of numerous recommendations, the 1976 reform attempted to redefine the military junta’s perception of the best way to lay solid foundation for democratic rule. This was seen to be in consonance with the new regime of General Murtala Mohammed, having overthrown the government of General Gowon, noted for its lack of direction. It would be recalled that prior to the 1976 reform, while the
Eastern region (1950) Western Region (1952) and Northern States (1968) took their turns in embracing the counciliar system, Cross River, Rivers, East Central and Bendel States adopted the developmental (Divisional) local administration system.
The duo of Ademolekun (1987) and Ghoyega noted that the coming of the 1976 reform naturally terminated the divisional administrative system and replaced it with the local government administration. What distinguished the 1976 local government reform 27 from all previous reform exercise in Nigeria is its formal and unequivocal recognition of local government and consisting a distinct level of government with definite boundaries, clearly stated function s and provisions for ensuring adequate human and financial resources. The highlights of the reform according to Ola and Olowu (1977) were very comprehensive.
Oyewo (1987) was of the view that the 1976 comprehensive reforms were given practical application when in December 1976, nine of nineteen states (Bendel, Imo,
Benue Rivers, Kwara, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo and Oyo state conducted direct election into the councils. Though the councils elections were marred with low turnout, it was generally agreed that it was a good beginning. The absence of partisan politicking was also addressed as part of the problems. He opined that three years after the 1976 reforms were introduced and 13 years after military rule held sway, Nigeria had a transition to civil rule on October 1, 1979. For the first time in the history of the country, the constitution recognized the local government as the third tier of government and also recognized democratically elected local government councils.
2.1.10 Local Government since 1999
Adewale (1999) indicated that the system of local government in the first five years of the Obasanjo administration (1999-2004) reflected no significant change. As usual, the constitutional provisions regarding their existence remained subject of willful interpretation by the other tiers of government. Also while certain legal interpretations were sought on modus operandi, the survival of the local government system was still subject to power game between the Federal and State Governments. The 1999 28 constitution under section 7 states inter-alia (1) that the system of local government by democratically elected local government council is under this constitution guaranteed and accordingly the government of every state shall subject to section 8 of this constitution ensure their existence under a law which provides for the establishment, structure, composition, finance and functions of such councils.
2.4.11 Appointment in Local Government in Enugu State
Concerning the recruitment and employment of Junior Staff of the local government, it is the Junior Staff Management Committee (JSMC) that does it. The
JSMC is made up of the Director of local government, Head of Service and all the Heads of Departments of the local government. The Junior Officers comprise officers on Grade level 01-06, and the qualifications required of them for employment range from First
School Leaving Certificate to Diploma certificate. All letters of appointment of the junior officers must be endorsed by the local government chairman. The chairman himself has the authority to employ people directly, that is the Junior Officers.
Regarding the employment of the Senior officers of the local government, Enugu
State Local Government Service Commission states as follows: The comprehensive functions of the Local Government Service Commission are as outline here under: a) To appoint, promote, discipline local government employees on grade level 07 and
above. b) To set up uniform guidelines for appointment, promotion and discipline. 29 c) To monitor the activities of each local government on appointment, discipline and
promotion of local government employees on GL 01-06 in order to ensure that the
guideline for such are strictly and uniformly adhered to. d) To serve as an appellant body for all petitions from local government staff in respect
of appointment, promotion and discipline. e) To exercise powers for training and manpower development of the local government
staff including the posting of employees from one local government to another.
It is important to point out that the candidates that are employed by the Local
Government Service Commission are holders of certificates higher than National
Diploma (ND) or Ordinary National Diploma (OND). The certificate requirement for
Service Commission’s employment ranges from NCE to other higher certificates. In line with the local government appointments, the Local Government Administration and Bye laws in Nigeria, Chapter eleven article 5. 9.4 states as follows:
All direct appointments to grade level 07 and above shall be open advertisement to the general public, and copies of such advertisements shall be sent to all the local governments within the state.
Undoubtedly, this is very rare, as most of the appointments done by the Service
Commission today are based on either “whom you know” or on party affiliation.
However, going by the principles of the Weberian bureaucracy, appointments into the local government system and the public bureaucracy generally ought to be based strictly on merit and competence rather than political and other considerations.
30
2.1.12 Manifestation of Politicization in Enugu State Local Government System
The 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Section 7 empowers the
State to exert sufficient control over the local governments under their jurisdiction. This arrangement neither promotes the autonomy of the local government nor protects Staff from the whims of the State government (Onah, 2003: 208). State governments therefore, by that power exert tremendous control over staff in the local governments ranging from recruitment, through promotion, to postings. Consequently, all States have a Local
Government Service Commission (LGSC) headed by a Chairman, with other members all of whom are politicians (Onah, 2003). Thus, the Local Government Service
Commissions have overwhelming powers over local government employees, in terms of recruitment/appointment, promotion, transfer, training and discipline which have been highly politicized. Supporting this assertion, Onah, (2003:210) has pointed out that:
Our observation in a recent survey is that at appointments be it grade level 07 and above or grade levels 01-06, members of the Commission (politicians) present their own list, the local government Chairman and his group present their own list, then the Governor’s sacrosanct list. The process of recruitment, selection and placement are consummated by marring the list and publishing same.
He maintains that, this is also true of appointment of staff on grade levels 01-06.
Pointing out that although, it is the responsibility of the JSMC of each Local Government to employ staff on grade levels 01-06 according to the manpower needs of the local government, it has been observed that the LGSCs have increasingly been usurping the function and insisting, in most States, that members of the Commission are represented at 31 interview. The representatives are mostly those carrying list of people recommended by politicians for appointment. This explains why appointments occur in the local governments without the due process, which connotes politicization.
Furthermore, Local Government Chief Executives (Executive Chairman,
Transitional Chairman, Sole Administrators etc) also appoint many uncountable personal and Special Assistants on nearly every function of the local governments. These are people who are undoubtedly thugs, are gradually integrated into the system as Staff. In other cases, the traditional rulers also nominate people for appointment to the local government council, a request that is usually a command in many parts of the country.
Apart from appointments, postings are also highly politicized in the local government system, especially at the top management level. Posting of Directors of Local
Government (DLG) or Head of Service or Head of Personal Management is done on the basis of clear loyalty to government. In Enugu State for example, the posting of DLGs to viable local government is contingent upon proven loyalty to the ruling party. Those whose loyalty is questionable are posted to newly created local governments to man the four walls of the ill-equipped secretariat. In a similar vein, powerful local government
Chairmen influence the posting out of strong bureaucrats for weaker ones they can easily manipulate to their advantage.
In the area of training, it is observable that most Staff sent for training are hand- picked by members of the LGSC without any training need assessment (Okoli, 2003;
Onah, 2003). They stress that politicians select their chums and make them benefit from a training the local governments do not need. This also applies to workshops and seminars. 32
Participants at workshops take it as an opportunity to make some fictitious claims rather than a chance to improve their work skills.
Promotions and discipline are also the exclusive preserve of the Local
Government Service Commission (LGSC) and decision pertaining to them always reflects the interest of political party in control. Undoubtedly, the ripple effect of this is certainly obvious.
2.1.13Implications of Politicization of Local Government Appointment and Service
Delivery in Enugu State
As earlier indicated, politicization is generally seen as a means by which the political system may strengthen its positive vis-à-vis the administrative system in order to make the bureaucracy more compliant (Onah, 2003). Thus, under politicized environment, Staff are unduly subdued and robbed of their rights. Politicization is therefore, advantageous to the politicians as a means of control but it tends to lead to loss of identity for the workers. Most local government bureaucrats are overly concerned about the security of their positions and as such are not inclined to take the initiatives or decisions themselves without giving a second thought to their political god-fathers because of fear of victimization (Mohr, 1987; Okoli, 1998; Okafor, 2005).
Politicization makes the local government bureaucrats more of representatives of the powerful elites. This is because at appointments, Councillors, politicians and other interest representing groups present names of their people for appointment thereby throwing the merit principle overboard (Onah, 2003; Okoli, 2004). Politicization 33 promotes inefficiency. This is because loyalty to party exceeds that of service as watchdog positions have been created by the State to monitor local government affairs.
These appointments, not only are they unnecessary but the distrust among partisan groups also leads to unproductive work and indiscipline.
Furthermore, observation has equally revealed that politicization of appointments have led to a situation whereby workers in the local government are over employed, resulting to increase in wage bill, irregularities in the payment of Staff salaries/allowances; redundancy, truancy and acts of insubordination. Similarly, most local governments are unable to embark on developmental projects due to over employment of Staff and financial misappropriation by the bureaucrats and politicians alike.
Politicization leads to corruption and lack of accountability. Because the treasury unit is politicized, the local government auditor is under the Chairman, the cashier is appointed by the Chairman, the Staff Union – National Union of Local Government
Employees (NULGE) leader is forced to be a “friend” to the Chairman and management,
Staff are weakened, the local government Chief Executive irregularly spends money without question. Thus, local government Chief Executives unduly enrich themselves and create other unspeakably wealthy staff at the expense of other staff who are either on the same grade level or even above those so enriched by the ‘politicians’.
2.5 Theoretical Framework
The framework of analysis used in this study is the bureaucratic theory as propounded by Max Weber. This theory is believed to have a better analytical strength to 34 explain what the study purports to explain. The term bureaucracy is derived from the
French word ‘bureau’ which means ‘office’. Literally, bureaucracy means that power is in the hand of officials. Sociologists use the term to designate a certain type of structure, a particular organization of rationally coordinated unequal, and reject the term which equates bureaucracy with “red tape”, inefficiency and the likes. But in Public
Administration, Redtapism is brought to fore because of the below expectations level of policy implementation and execution the government offers to the people. However, most social scientists define bureaucracy in a more neutral way as the formal organization of administrative tasks. In defining bureaucracy as the formal organization of administrative officials, social scientists have tried to avoid prejudgments. A bureaucracy is not necessarily rigid, insensitive or power striving.
Nevertheless, the idea of bureaucracy, as it is used in social science theory does carry special connotations. Hence bureaucracy is a kind of formal administrative structure that has distinctive characteristics and problems. Max Weber has been credited with having made the most thorough analysis of bureaucracy. Accordingly, he is ranked as the greatest exponent of bureaucracy as his work in this area is treated in academic discourse as a classical piece. Consequently, Weber’s conception of bureaucracy becomes crucial to this paper. Max Weber, (1947) specified some basic characteristics of bureaucracy which an organization must meet for such an organization to become efficient and effective. These characteristics include:
35
Tenets of the Theory
1) Job specialization: - Jobs are divided into simple, routine and fixed category
based on competence and functional specialization.
2) Authority hierarchy: - Officers are organized in a n hierarchy in which higher
officer controls lower position holders i.e. superior controls subordinates and their
performance of subordinates and lower staff could be controlled.
3) Formal selection: - All organizational members are to be selected on the basis of
technical qualifications and competence demonstrated by training, education or
formal examination.
4) Formal rules and regulations: - To ensure uniformity and to regulate actions of
employees, managers must depend heavily upon formal organizational rules and
regulations. Thus, rules of law lead to impersonality in interpersonal relations.
5) Impersonality: - Rules and controls are applied uniformly, avoiding involvement
with personalities and preferences of employees. Nepotism and favoritism are not
preferred.
6) Career orientation: - Career building opportunity is offered highly. Life long
employment and adequate protection of individuals against arbitrary dismissal is
guaranteed. Here managers are professional officials rather than owners units they
manage. They work for a fixed salaries and pursue their career within the
organization.
36
Application of the Theory to the Study
Using the foregoing premise, the politicization of appointments in the local government now put to question the ability of the bureaucrats to follow the bureaucratic procedure and prevent the local government system to properly bureaucratize. The politicization of appointment contravenes what Adamolekun, (2006) referred to as neutral competence of the civil service. The idea of neutral competence, or authority of expertise, according to Adamolekun is that appointed officials who are recruited on the basis of competence and expert knowledge, skills and experience are valuable for conducting the business of government and can help to educate politicians and restrain their partisan inclinations. This role was put succinctly in the British context in the 1954 North Cote
Trelyon Report thus:
Permanent officers subordinate to Ministers yet possessing sufficient independence, character, ability and experience to be able to advise, assist and to some extent to influence those who are from time to time set above them.
It was on the basis of the above, Key, (1942) observed that politicians dominate the issues which have a high content of political judgment and a low content of technical expertise, while administrators dominate the issues with a high content of technical judgment, (e.g science and technology matters), and that in regard to issues both a high content of political judgment and technical expertise, politicians and administrators take decisions by cooperative effort as partners in a joint enterprise (e.g the budget process).
The existence of the above situation, according to Adamolekun, (2006) would enable the career officials to serve an incumbent government with competence, loyalty and fairness. 37
The interaction between the two groups (politicians and administrations) with reference to cooperation, partnership, trust and loyalty, that is implied by their joint enterprise will provide overall leadership of governmental administration. In the Nigeria and Enugu State in particular, with the situation of our time, the expected partner, trust and loyalty have been ruined by the politicization of appointment in the local government, thus, hampering governmental efficiency, effectiveness and service delivery.
2.6 Hypotheses
A hypothesis is a tentative statement which is open to confirmation or rejection when exposed (subjected) to empirical verification (Obasi, 2000:30). It is an idea or suggestion put forward as a starting point for reasoning or explanation of a given phenomenon. Against this background, the following hypotheses have been postulated for this study.
1. The politicization of local government appointments affect the management of
human and material resources of local government in Enugu State.
2. The consequences of non compliance with appointment guidelines in local
governments in Enugu State is not significant.
3. There are no workable suggestions that would lead to compliance with
appointment guidelines to enable the Local Government achieve the much desired
efficiency and service delivery.
2.7 Operationalization of the Key Concepts 38
In the field of Social Sciences, a study of this nature requires a definition of certain key concepts, which are used or appear so often in the entire study. Thus, according to
Kerlinger, (1977), cited in Obasi, (1999: 26-27), an operational definition, is a specification of the activities of a researcher in measure the variables or in manipulating it. It assigns meaning to variable by specifying the activities or operations necessary to measure that variable. The essence of operationalizing concepts is to enhance the readers understanding. As Jones cited in Obasi, (2000:27) vividly captured this when he wrote that if terms are “quite abstract, they are called concepts; and if they are quite specifically related to the real world, they are called operational definitions or indicators”. However, the following concepts are operationalized in the context of this study.
I. Politicization– Politicization is a process by which politicians control the
bureaucracy by means of manipulating recruitment, education, training and
promotions to imbue bureaucracies with overt explicit commitments in the
political goals of the government of the day (Onah, 2003). It simply means that a
politicized administration or bureaucracy is one that reacts favourably to the
dictates of the politicians in terms of recruitment, selection, promotion, training
and posting of bureaucrats without following the due process.
II. Local Government: This is the system of administration of districts by selected
representatives of the people who live there. In Nigeria, this is the third tier of
government with the ultimate aim of enhancing the development of the rural
communities. 39
III. Party Affiliation: This refers to inclination of a bureaucrat to one political
party to the extent that he or she becomes enmeshed as the politician himself or
herself. This describes a situation where there is too much meddlesomeness of
politics in administration. (e) Career Appointment This refers to permanent and
pensionable officials who, by virtue of their appointments, would serve
successive teams of temporary political executives (regimes) on a permanent
basis without much interference from political class in the domains of
administrative matters.
IV. Service Delivery: In this study, service delivery is accorded two basic
meanings. Firstly, it is equated with the provision of social services like
education, security, drinking water, sanitation, infrastructure, transportation
like mass transit, social welfare services like bursary, scholarships to students,
disaster prevention and rehabilitation. Bello-Imam and Roberts (2001), agree
with this understanding of service delivery when they noted that local social
service delivery is the provision of services intended to alleviate human
suffering and by extension, enhance the quality of life of the citizens.
Secondly, service delivery refers to the discharge of the duties assigned to
workers of the local government.
V. Meritocracy: This refers to the recruitment of workers based on a person’s
intelligence, talent, ability, possession of relevant academic qualifications and
experience. 40
VI. Ineffective Service Delivery: Service delivery characterized with
untimeliness, inadequacy, dissatisfaction (of the customer or consumer),
unfairness, dishonesty and lack of transparency.
2.5 Research Procedure 2.5.1 Types of Study
The research will adopt a survey research design. According to Amaechi and
Amara (2005), research design is a blueprint which guides the researcher in his scientific inquiry, investigation and analysis. The design will be used to collect information relating to the politicisation of local government appointment and service delivery in Nigeria with particular reference to Enugu State. The choice of this type of design allowed the researcher the privilege of observing variables in the study.
2.5.2 Data Gathering Instrument
In the process of carrying out this study, both the primary and secondary sources of data collection was adopted.
Primary Sources
The questionnaire to be validated by the project supervisor will serve as the major instrument for data collection in this study. The questionnaire will consist of the demographic information of respondents and substantive data of the discourse. The questionnaire will be closed- ended in which respondents will be allowed to choose from the options provided by the researcher. The reason is to save time and encourage the respondents to air their view without stress. 41
Secondary Sources
This involved a more detailed facts finding exercise through the use of relevant texts, journals, magazines, newspapers, official publications and internet materials for the success of this work.
2.5.3 Population of Study
The study population will consists of the entire people of Enugu State. According to the census (2006) Enugu State has a population of 2,101,016 (992,104 males and
1,108,912 females) within a total area of 7,618 sq. km. This gives a population density of about 268 persons per sq. km., which is high when compared with the average national density of about 96 persons per sq.km.
2.5.4 Sample Size
According to Oguonu (2012:92), sample size is “a process of selecting a proportion of the population considered adequate to represent all existing characteristics within the target population for the purpose of generalizing the findings about the sample itself, the target population and any other population having similar characteristics with the target population. In a study that involves large population like this one, samples are usually used. This is to reduce the errors from calculation of large number and to reduce cost of producing questionnaires to cover the population. So the researchers considered the population 2,101,016 relatively too large and consider using the sample size of 400 people by applying Yamane (1967) formula for choosing a sample size. 42
Yamane’s formula for sample size:
n = N____ 1 + Ne2
Where n = desired sample size
N = population N = population of the study e = level of significance (error of margin) at 5% 1 = a theoretical constant Using the formula N = 2101016
n = 2101016__ 1+210106 (.05)2
= 3992.3 Then 10% = 3992.3 10 = 399.5 approximately 400.
The sample size of this study is approximately 400 respondents to be randomly selected from the three Local Government selected from the three Senatorial zones in
Enugu State.
2.5.5 Sample Procedure
Data will be collected from three purposively selected local government areas
(LGAs) in Enugu State .Three local governments were selected from the three senatorial zones in the state (Ezeagu LGA for Enugu North Senatorial zone, Enugu South LGA for
Enugu East Senatorial zone, and Udenu LGA for Enugu West Senatorial zone). In each
Local Government Area, we ensured that the views of residents of urban and rural communities will be fully represented. 43
2.5.6 Validation and Reliability of Instrument
The researcher personally construct the items for each variable in the study. But before the questionnaires were administered, they were examined, reviewed and vetted by the project supervisor for appropriateness. While the reliability of the questionnaire were determined by a test-retest technique with a random sample of 50 respondents not included in the sample size. A two weeks interval were given between the first and second tests to ensure its reliability overtime
2.5.7 Method of Data Analysis
Data collection were organized around the research questions and the “Agree-
Disagree” responses pattern were employed. The five-point Likert scale were used for making analysis. Weights were assigned to responses. The mean scores were calculated.
The decision rule accepted the item that has a mean score of 3.50 or above. The chi- square at 0.05 level of significance were used to test the hypotheses generated for the study. 44
CHAPTER THREE
BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON ENUGU STATE
3.1 Historical Development
Enugu State was created on August 27, 1991 with the city of Enugu as its capital.
The state derives its name from the capital city which was established in 1912 as a small coal mining town, but later grew to become the capital of the former Eastern Region of
Nigeria (Ministry of Information, 1992). In 1967, when the Gowon administration created twelve states in Nigeria, Enugu remained the capital of the East Central State of
Nigeria, one of the three states carved out of the former Eastern Region.
Nine years later, two states, Anambra and Imo, were carved out of the East Central
State and Enugu continued to serve as the capital of Anambra state. The administrative hinterland of the city became much smaller in 1991 when Anambra State was further split to form Enugu State and the new Anambra State. (enugustate.gov.ng)
In 1996, the Abakaliki area, one of the three political and administrative divisions of Enugu State, was carved out and added to a part of Abia State to make up Ebonyi
State, which was created in that year along with five others. Today, Enugu State covers a much reduced territory compared to its size in 1991 when it was initially created.
The town of Enugu, where coal is found in commercial quantity, is euphemistically referred to as the "coal city." The immediate fortunes of the state appear to be tied, among other things, with the rehabilitation of the coal industry, and citizens of the state take delight in being associated with the pseudonym of "the coal city state." 45
Indeed, the shooting of Nigerian coal miners in Enugu in 1949, by military officers of the British colonial administration, contributed very much as a catalyst in changing the political history of the country towards the granting of Independence.
(enugustate.gov.ng)
3.2 Administrative Structure
At the helm of affairs in the state is the executive Governor, assisted by the
Deputy Governor. Other components of the State Executive Council are Commissioners
and the Secretary to the state government. The Governor is also assisted by a number of
Special Advisers and Special Assistants. The state legislature, the lawmaking body, is
headed by the Speaker.
He is assisted by the Clerk of the House in the general administration of the
Assembly. The seventeen local government areas are each headed by an Executive
Chairman, assisted by a Deputy Chairman and several supervisory councilors. Each
Local government has a quasi legislative arm composed of councilors who represent the various wards. Some communities are governed by a system of gerontocracy in which a council of elders forms the government. One of the members, usually the oldest, is designated the Community Head, or Chief, or Traditional Ruler.
He works with a cabinet of executive and ordinary members who represent their respective villages. Other communities select their chiefs or traditional rulers in accordance with their written constitution. In all cases, each community has a town union
(also known as Community Development Association) headed by a President. 46
The President works with a team of assisting executive members chosen through a popular election. Town Unions spearhead development activities and ensure that the state government's new programmes are implemented. At the head of the traditional political system is the first son ("Okpala").
He holds the symbol of political and religious authority called "Ofo." In some parts of the state, however, the age grade system of government is used, and in many others, traditional government is by titled societies (Nze na Ozo). Generally, these forms of government make use of masquerade societies to execute decisions.
Enugu State is a mainland state in southeastern Nigeria. Its capital is Enugu, from which the state - created in 1991 from the old Anambra State - derives its name. The principal cities in the state are Enugu, Agbani, Awgu, Udi, Oji, and Nsukka.
(enugustate.gov.ng)
3.3 Geography
Enugu State is one of the states in the eastern part of Nigeria. The state shares borders with Abia State and Imo State to the south, Ebonyi State to the east, Benue State to the northeast, Kogi State to the northwest and Anambra State to the west. Enugu, the capital city of Enugu State, is approximately 2½ driving hours away from Port Harcourt, where coal shipments exited Nigeria. Enugu is also located within an hour's drive from
Onitsha, one of the biggest commercial cities in Africa and 2 hours drive from Aba, another very large commercial city , both of which are trading centers in Nigeria. The average temperature in this city is cooler to mild (60 degrees Fahrenheit) in its cooler 47 months and gets warmer to hot in its warmer months (upper 80 degrees Fahrenheit) and very good for outdoor activities with family and friends or just for personal leisure.
Enugu has good soil-land and climatic conditions all year round, sitting at about
223 meters (732 ft) above sea level, and the soil is well drained during its rainy seasons.
The mean temperature in Enugu State in the hottest month of February is about 87.16 °F
(30.64 °C), while the lowest temperatures occur in the month of November, reaching
60.54 °F (15.86 °C). The lowest rainfall of about 0.16 cubic centimeters (0.0098 cu in) is normal in February, while the highest is about 35.7 cubic centimeters (2.18 cu in) in July.
(enugustate.gov.ng)
3.4 History
The name of State derives from its capital city, Enugu. The word "Enugu" (from
Enu Ugwu) means "the top of the hill". The first European settlers arrived in the area in
1909, led by a British mining engineer, Albert Kitson. In his quest for silver, he discovered coal in the Udi Ridge. Colonial Governor of Nigeria Frederick Lugard took keen interest in the discovery, and by 1914 the first shipment of coal was made to Britain.
As mining activities increased in the area, a permanent cosmopolitan settlement emerged, supported by a railway system. Enugu acquired township status in 1917 and became strategic to British interests. Foreign businesses began to move into Enugu, the most notable of which were John Holt, Kingsway Stores, British Bank of West Africa and
United Africa Company.
From Enugu the British administration was able to spread its influence over the
Southern Province of Nigeria. The colonial past of Enugu is today evidenced by the 48
Georgian building types and meandering narrow roads within the residential area originally reserved for the whites, an area which is today called the Government
Reserved Area (GRA). From being the capital of the Southern Provinces, Enugu became the capital of the Eastern Region (now divided into nine States), the capital of now defunct Federal Republic of Biafra, thereafter, the capital of East Central State, Anambra
State, (old) Enugu State, and now the capital of the present Enugu State through a process of state creation and diffusion of administrative authority. (enugustate.gov.ng)
3.5 Politics
The State Government and the Local Government are the two levels of government in Enugu State and in all other states of Nigeria. Barr. Sullivan Chime is the current executive governor for the whole of Enugu State. He was reelected by the people of Enugu State in April 2010 and was sworn into office on May 29, 2010. The governor is above a group of commissioners who he has placed as heads of ministries that oversee various portfolios such as Health and Housing; both the governor and the commissioners form the Executive Council of Enugu State. Government House, Enugu is where the government of the state is based. (enugustate.gov.ng)
3.6 Administrative Divisions
Aninri, Awgu, Enugu East, Enugu North, Enugu South, Ezeagu, Igbo Etiti, Igbo
Eze North, Igbo Eze South, Isi Uzo, Nkanu East, Nkanu West, Nsukka, Oji River, Udenu,
Udi & Uzo Uwani. The 17 Local Government Areas in Enugu State: 49
• Aninri, Awgu, Enugu East, Enugu North, Enugu South, Ezeagu, Igbo Etiti, Igbo
Eze North, Igbo Eze South, Isi Uzo, Nkanu East, Nkanu West, Nsukka, Oji River,
Udenu, Udi & Uzo Uwani(enugustate.gov.ng)
3.7 Economy
Economically, the state is predominantly rural and agrarian, with a substantial proportion of its working population engaged in farming, although trading (18.8%) and services (12.9%) are also important. In the urban areas trading is the dominant occupation, followed by services. A small proportion of the population is also engaged in manufacturing activities, with the most pronounced among them located in Enugu, Oji,
Ohebedim and Nsukka. (enugustate.gov.ng)
3.8 Energy
Electricity supply is relatively stable in Enugu and its Environs. The Oji River
Power Station (which used to supply electricity to all of Eastern Nigeria) is located in
Enugu State. With the deregulation of electricity generation in Nigeria, and the proposed privatization of the National Electric Power Authority (NEPA), the State Government would assist private investors to negotiate the take over and reactivation of the Oji Power
Station. This is more so with the proximity of the Enugu coal mines to the power station, a driving distance of about 20 minutes. There are also traces of crude oil in Ugwuoba, in the same Oji-River Local Government area of the state. The state will also negotiate with investors interested in investing in the coal mining in Enugu. The coal industry use to be 50 one of the biggest employer of labour in the state and the state is looking to attract investors in the industry. (enugustate.gov.ng)
3.9 Education
Every community in Enugu State has at least one Primary/Elementary school and one Secondary school, funded and run by State Government. There are also large numbers of private nursery, primary and secondary schools in Enugu State.
Nigeria's First Indigenous University, University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), is located in Enugu State. The state also hosts the Enugu State University of Science &
Technology (ESUT), Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu State
College of Education Technical, Enugu, Caritas University, Amorji-Nike, Renaissance
University, Ugbawka; Federal Government College Enugu, Federal School of Dental
Technology & Therapy College of Immaculate Conception, Enugu; Queen’s School
Enugu a Preeminent high school for girls in the Eastern region; Special Science Boys'
Secondary School Agbani, Nkanu West l.g.a; [St. Patrick's Secondary School],
Emene;Bigard Memorial Seminary, Enugu; Awgu County College, Nenwe; Community
Secondary School, Ugbo; Corpus Christi College, Achi; Our Saviour Institute of Science and Technology, Enugu; and the Federal College of Education, Eha-Amufu Seat of
Wisdom Secondary School Trans Ekulu Enugu. There are also a host of private computer schools and training centre’s concentrated in Enugu and Nsukka. (enugustate.gov.ng) 51
3.10 Medical Development of Enugu State
The University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) is located in Enugu State, as is the Enugu State University Teaching Hospital and College of Medicine. In addition to numerous private hospitals and clinics in the State, there are seven District Hospitals at
Enugu Urban, Udi, Agbani, Awgu, Ikem, Enugu-Ezike, and Nsukka and at least one health center or cottage hospital in every one of the seventeen (17) Local Government
Areas and thirty nine (39) Development Centres in the State (enugustate.gov.ng).
3.11 Culture and Tradition of the People of Enugu State
The people of Enugu State are socially and culturally diverse, consisting of many subgroups. Although they live in scattered groups of villages, they all speak one language though in diverse dialects. They believe in folklores which explains how everything in the world came into being. It throws more light on the functions, the heavenly and earthly bodies have, and offers guidance on how to behave towards gods, spirits, and ones ancestors. They behave on the Invisible and visible forces by the living, the dead and those yet to be born which we can easily term Reincarnation, the bridge between the living and the dead (enugustate.gov.ng).
Another important part of people's culture is their Religion, the major beliefs of the Enugu people here are shaded by all. However, many of its practices are locally organized with the most effective unit of religious worship being the extended family.
Periodic rituals and ceremonies may activate the lineage or the village which is the 52 wildest political community. The natures believe in a supreme god who keeps watch over his creatures from a distance. He rarely intrudes in the affairs of human beings. No sacrifices are made directly to him. Nevertheless, he is believed to be the ultimate receiver of sacrifices made to the minor gods (deities), to distinguish him from the minor gods, he is called Chukwu the supreme or the high god. As the creator of everything, he is also called Chukwu Abiama. Minor gods (Deities), who are generally subject to human passions and weaknesses. They may be kind, hospitable and industrious. However, they can also be treacherous, unmerciful and envious. These minor gods includes Ani, the earth goddess, she is associated with fertility both of human being and of land.
Anyanwu, the sun goddess makes crops and trees grow. Igwe is the sky god as well as the source of rain. In addition to their gods, the Igbo's believe in a variety of spirits whose good will depends on treating them well. Forests and rivers at the edge of cultivated land are said to be occupied by these spirits. Mbatakwu and Agwo are spirits of wealth. Others are the yam spirit natively known as Aha njoku and Ikoro - the drum spirit. Their attitude towards their deities and spirits are not ones of fear but one of friendship. It must also be remembered that the inhabitants and the indigenous people of the state celebrate the major national holidays of Nigeria as well as their various local festivals. Those in rainy or dry season are held to welcome the new agricultural cycle.
Furthermore, there are series of ceremonies often ritualized to celebrate a transition in a person's life. Circumcision takes place about eight days after the birth of a boy. At this time the umbilical cord is buried at the foot of a tree selected by the child's 53 mother. Also, the name-giving ceremony is a formal occasion celebrated by feasting and drinking. A wide variety of names maybe chosen. The name may be based on anything ranging from the child's birth marks to the opinion of the diviner, or seer. Ndubuisi - life is the most important, Onwubiko - may death forgive, it expresses the fact that parents has lost many of their children and pray that this child may survive. Marriage is also another important festival among the people of Enugu.
It is rarely accomplished in less than a year and often takes several years. The process falls in four stages: asking the Lady's consent, negotiating through a middleman known as Iju ese - asking about the woman's family background, testing the bride's character, and paying the bride price. However, death in old age is celebrated and accepted as a blessing. After death, the body is clothed in the person's finest garments .
The corpse is then placed on a stool in a sitting posture. Old friends as well as relatives visit to pay their last respect, Young men wrap the corpse in grass mats, carrying it out to other burial ground and bury it . When the head of a family dies , he's buried in front of his Obi, the main house. Subsequently, two criteria shape their interpersonal relationships: age and gender. Respect is normally accorded to the males, and to elderly ones. The children are expected to offer the first greeting to their elders. And their social status bothers on wealth, regardless of occupation (enugustate.gov.ng).
The people differentiate between Ogbanye (The poor), Dimkpa (The moderately prosperous), and Oganyara (The rich). The living condition has changed considerably since the discovery of oil in Nigeria. Most mud walls and thatched roofs , are now 54 constructed of cement blocks with corrugated iron roofs . With modernization came electricity which Introduced television sets and radio that is now in all villages and also running water, though it's not situated in every house. Their clothing is another essential part of their culture although their everyday clothing is not different from that of westerners, especially people dwelling in urban areas. Traditional clothes are still worn on important occasions in the cities and daily in rural areas. For instance, women wear wraps for both formal and informal occasions. The everyday wrapper is made from inexpensive cotton, dyed locally, for formal Wear, the wrapper is either woven or batik- dyed , and often imported. In terms of entertainments, sports is also recognized by the natives. Wrestling is the most popular sport among the boys and young men. However, it has been introduced to girls through the school system. Their source of entertainment includes storytelling, rituals, dancing and music making. Nevertheless, modernism came with another form of entertainment which are watching television and going to movies.
Most youth enjoy listening to rap and rock music (enugustate.gov.ng).
In conclusion, the culture of Enugu people known as Omenala ndi Igbo are the customs, practices and traditions of the Igbo people. It comprises of archaic practices as well as concepts added into the Igbo culture either by cultural evolution or by outside influence(enugustate.gov.ng). 55
3.12 List of Administrators and Governors of Enugu State
Name Title Took office Left office Party Herbert Eze Governor August, 1990 January, 1992 Military Okwesilieze Nwodo Governor January,1992 November,1993 NRC Temi Ejoor Administrator December,1993 September,1994 Military Mike Torey Administrator September,1994 August,1996 Military Sule Ahman Administrator August,1996 August, 1998 Military Adewunnmi Agbaje Administrator August, 1998 May, 1999 Military Chimaroke Nnamani Governor 29th May, 1999 29th May,2007 PDP Sullivan Chime Governor 29th May,2007 29th May, 2015 PDP Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi Governor 29th May, 205 Till date PDP
Source: Wikipedia, 2015 56
Fig. 1: Map of Enugu State Showing the Local Government Areas
Source: Wikipedia, 2015 57
CHAPTER FOUR DATA PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND FINDINGS 4.1 Data Presentation
A total of four hundred (400) copies of questionnaire were issued out but, 372 copies of questionnaire were found valid for the study. The study is therefore based on the 372 copies of questionnaire retrieved.
4.1.1 Gender Table01: Gender distribution of respondents Sex Frequency Percentage % Male 216 58.1 % Female 156 41.9 % Total 372 100% Source: Field Survey, (2015) From the table above 216(58.1%) of the respondents were male, while 156
(41.9%) of the respondents were female. The table shows that majority of the sampled population were male.
4.1.2 Marital Status Table 02: Marital status of respondents Marital status Frequency Percentage % Married 204 54.9 Single 151 40.5 Widow 11 2.9 Divorced 6 1.7 Total 372 100% Source: Field Survey, (2015) 58
The above responses show that 204 (54.9 %) of the respondents were married.
151(40.5%) of the respondents were single, 11(2.9%) of the respondents were widow while 6 respondents representing 1.7% were divorced. The result show that majority of the sampled population were married.
4.1.3 Age Table 03: Age distribution of respondents Age range Frequency Percentage % 20-30 96 25.8 31-40 165 44.3 41-50 58 15.6 51-60 32 8.6 61 and above 21 5.7 Total 372 100% Source: Field Survey, (2015) The survey result shows that 96 (25.8 %) of the respondents fell within the age limit of 20-30 years, 165(44.3%) of the respondent were within the age range of 31-40 years, 58 (15.6%) fell within the age range of 41-50 years, 32(8.6%) of the respondent fell within the age range of 51-60 years. While 21 (5.7%) of the respondents fell within the age range of 61 years and above. The responses indicates that majority of the respondent fell between the age range of 31-40 years. 59
4.1.4 Religion affiliation
Table 04: Religion affiliation of respondents Religion Frequency Percentages (%) Christianity 365 98.1 % Islam - - Traditional religion 7 1.9 % Total 372 100% Source: Field Survey, (2015)
Data on religion affiliation of respondents shows 365 (98.1%) of the respondents were Christians none was a Muslim, while 7 (1.9 %) of the respondents practice traditional religion. Thus majority of the respondent were Christians.
4.1.5 Educational Qualification Table 05: Educational Qualification of respondents Educational Qualification Frequency Percentage % FLSC 29 7.8 SSCE/GCE 59 15.9 OND/NCE 63 16.9 HND/B.Sc 129 34.6 Higher Degree 92 24.8 Total 372 100% Source: Field Survey, (2015) The survey result of educational qualification of respondents shows that 29 (7.8%) of the respondent had FLSC. 59(15.9%) had SSCE/GCE. 63 (16.9%) of the respondent 60 had OND/NCE. 129 (34.6%) of the respondents had HND/B.Sc. While 92(24.8%) of the respondents had higher degree. Majority of the sampled population were literate.
4.1.6 Occupation of Respondents Table 06: Occupational distribution of respondents Occupation Frequency Percentage % Civil Servants 96 25.8 School 76 20.5 Farmer 131 35.2 Teacher 69 18.5 Total 372 100% Source: Field Survey, (2015) The survey result of the occupational distribution of respondents shows that 96
(25.8 %) of the respondents were civil servant, 76(20.5%) of the respondents were schooling, 131 (35.2 %) were farmers, while 69 (18.5 %) of the respondents are were teachers. Majority of the respondents are farmers.
Substantive Data of Respondents
In the analysis of the data generated from hypothesis, a five point Likert Scale was used. The mean scores and percentages were calculated. The decision rule was to accept the item/variable that has a mean score of 3.0 and above and reject the one with means score of below 3.0. 61
For the five point Likert Scale, the following derivations were used.
Strongly Agree (SA) = 5 Agree (A) = 4 Undecided (UD) = 3 Disagree (D) = 2 Strongly Disagree (SD) = 1
Cut off point =
For mean scores, the following formula were used:
General Mean =
For percentages, the following formula were used:
Percentage (%) =
4.1.7 Politicization of Local government appointment Question 07: The politicization of local government appointments affect the management of human and material resources of local government in Enugu State.
Options F X % FX Strongly Agree (SA) 5 86 23.1 430 Agree (A) 4 41 11.0 164 Undecided (UD) 3 15 4.0 45 Disagree (D) 2 125 33.6 250 Strongly Disagree (SD) 1 105 28.3 105 Total 15 372 100% 994 Source: Field Survey, (2015)
Mean = = = 2.6
Where x = mean F = frequency % = percentage 62 fx = sum of scores multiple by frequency
From the above table, responses from the sampled population shows that 86 respondents strongly agreed and 42 agreed that the politicization of local government appointments affect the management of human and material resources of local government in Enugu
State. . 15 respondents were undecided. 125 disagreed and 105 respondents strongly disagreed to this view. The percentage of those who supported this view were 34.1% as opposed to 65.9 % of those who disagreed and strongly disagreed to this point. The mean score is 2.6. We do not agree that the politicization of local government appointments the management of human and material resources of local government in Enugu State.
4.1.8 Party connection Question 08: Appointment in the local government in Enugu State is based on party Connection. Options F X % FX Strongly Agree (SA) 5 156 41.9 780 Agree (A) 4 75 20.1 300 Undecided (UD) 3 8 2.2 24 Disagree (D) 2 96 25.9 192 Strongly Disagree (SD) 1 37 9.9 37 Total 15 372 100% 1333 Source: Field Survey, (2015) Mean = = = 3.5
From the analysis, 156 respondents strongly agreed and 75 agreed that appointment in the local government in Enugu State is based on party Connection. 8 respondents were undecided. 96 disagreed and 37 strongly disagreed to this view. The percentage of those who supported this view were 62 % as opposed to 38 % of those who 63 disagreed and those who strongly disagreed to this view. The mean score is 3.5. We agree that appointment in the local government in Enugu State is based on party Connection.
4.1.9 Politicians influence employment Question 09: Employees have become difficult to control because, politicians influence employment in Enugu State. Options F X % FX Strongly Agree (SA) 5 140 37.7 700 Agree (A) 4 81 21.8 324 Undecided (UD) 3 8 2.1 24 Disagree (D) 2 64 17.2 128 Strongly Disagree (SD) 1 79 21.2 79 Total 15 372 100% 1255 Source: Field Survey, (2015) Mean = = = 3.3
From the analysis, 140 respondents strongly agreed and 81 agreed that employees have become difficult to control because, politicians influence employment in Enugu
State. 8 respondents were undecided. 64 disagreed and 79 strongly disagreed to this view. The percentage of those who supported this view were 59.5 % as opposed to 40.5
% of those who disagreed and those who strongly disagreed to this view. The mean score is 3.3. We agree that employees have become difficult to control because, politicians influence employment in Enugu State. 64
4.1.10 Workers service delivery Question 10: Excessive politicization of employment affect workers service delivery in Enugu State. Options F X % FX Strongly Agree (SA) 5 220 59.1 1100 Agree (A) 4 70 18.9 280 Undecided (UD) 3 12 3.2 36 Disagree (D) 2 40 10.8 80 Strongly Disagree (SD) 1 30 8.0 30 Total 15 372 100% 1526 Source: Field Survey, (2015)
Mean = = = 4.1
From the analysis, 220 respondents strongly agreed and 70 agreed that excessive politicization of employment affect workers service delivery in Enugu State. 12 respondents were undecided. 40 disagreed and 30 strongly disagreed to this view. The percentage of those who supported this view were 78 % as opposed to 22 % of those who disagreed and those who strongly disagreed to this view. The mean score is 4.1. We agree that excessive politicization of employment affect workers service delivery in
Enugu State.
4.1.11 Appointment guideline Question 11: Non-compliance with appointment guidelines in local governments in Enugu State is not significant. Options F X % FX Strongly Agree (SA) 5 92 24.8 460 Agree (A) 4 68 18.3 272 Undecided (UD) 3 18 4.8 54 Disagree (D) 2 108 29.0 216 Strongly Disagree (SD) 1 86 23.1 86 Total 15 372 100% 1088 Source: Field Survey, (2015) 65
Mean = = = 2.9
From the analysis, 92 respondents strongly agreed and 68 agreed that non- compliance with appointment guidelines in local governments in Enugu State is not significant. 18 respondents were undecided. 108 disagreed and 86 strongly disagreed to this view. The percentage of those who supported this view were 43.1 % as opposed to
56.9 % of those who disagreed and those who strongly disagreed to this view. The mean score is 2.9. We do not agree that non-compliance with appointment guidelines in local governments in Enugu State is not significant.
4.1.12. Staff training and posting Question 12: Politician influence staff training and posting in Enugu State.
Options F X % FX Strongly Agree (SA) 5 140 37.7 700 Agree (A) 4 81 21.8 324 Undecided (UD) 3 8 2.1 24 Disagree (D) 2 64 17.2 128 Strongly Disagree (SD) 1 79 21.2 79 Total 15 372 100% 1255 Source: Field Survey, (2015)
Mean = = = 3.3
From the analysis, 140 respondents strongly agreed and 81 agreed that politician influence staff training and posting in Enugu State. 8 respondents were undecided. 64 disagreed and 79 strongly disagreed to this view. The percentage of those who supported this view were 59.5 % as opposed to 40.5 % of those who disagreed and those who strongly disagreed to this view. The mean score is 3.3. We agree that politician influence staff training and posting in Enugu State. 66
4.1.13 Decisions of political leaders Question 13: The Local government in Enugu State is the apparatus of government designed to implement the decisions of political leaders. Options F X % FX Strongly Agree (SA) 5 56 15.0 460 Agree (A) 4 82 22.0 272 Undecided (UD) 3 12 3.4 54 Disagree (D) 2 196 52.7 216 Strongly Disagree (SD) 1 26 6.9 86 Total 15 372 100% 1062 Source: Field Survey, (2015)
Mean = = = 2.8
From the analysis, 56 respondents strongly agreed and 82 agreed that the local government in Enugu State is the apparatus of government designed to implement the decisions of political leaders.12 respondents were undecided. 196 disagreed and 26 strongly disagreed to this view. The percentage of those who supported this view were 37
% as opposed to 63 % of those who disagreed and those who strongly disagreed to this view. The mean score is 2.8. We do not agree that the local government in Enugu State is the apparatus of government designed to implement the decisions of political leaders.
4.1.14. Management of Human Resource Question 14: Wrongful staff deployment has a very damaging effect on management of human resources Options F X % FX Strongly Agree (SA) 5 150 40.3 750 Agree (A) 4 60 16.2 240 Undecided (UD) 3 10 2.7 30 Disagree (D) 2 62 16.7 124 Strongly Disagree (SD) 1 90 24.1 90 Total 15 372 100% 1234 Source: Field Survey, (2015) 67
Mean = = = 3.3
From the analysis, 150 respondents strongly agreed and 60 agreed that wrongful staff deployment has a very damaging effect on management of human resources. 10 respondents were undecided. 62 disagreed and 90 strongly disagreed to this view. The percentage of those who supported this view were 56.5 % as opposed to 43.5 % of those who disagreed and those who strongly disagreed to this view. The mean score is 3.3. We agree that wrongful staff deployment has a very damaging effect on management of human resources.
4.1.15. Much desired efficiency
Question 15: There are no workable suggestions that would lead to compliance with appointment guidelines to enable the Local Government achieve the much desired efficiency and service delivery.
Options F X % FX Strongly Agree (SA) 5 71 19.0 355 Agree (A) 4 29 7.8 116 Undecided (UD) 3 20 5.4 60 Disagree (D) 2 196 52.8 392 Strongly Disagree (SD) 1 56 15.0 56 Total 15 372 100% 979 Source: Field Survey, (2015) Mean = = = 2.6
From the analysis, 71 respondents strongly agreed and 29 agreed that there are no workable suggestions that would lead to compliance with appointment guidelines to enable the Local Government achieve the much desired efficiency and service delivery..
20 respondents were undecided. 196 disagreed and 56 strongly disagreed to this view. 68
The percentage of those who supported this view were 26.8 % as opposed to 73.2 % of those who disagreed and those who strongly disagreed to this view. The mean score is
2.6. We do not agree that there are no workable suggestions that would lead to compliance with appointment guidelines to enable the Local Government achieve the much desired efficiency and service delivery.
4.1.16. Professional competence Question 16: Appointment of Local Government workers should be based strictly on qualification and professional competences.
Options F X % FX Strongly Agree (SA) 5 165 44.4 825 Agree (A) 4 74 19.9 296 Undecided (UD) 3 10 2.6 30 Disagree (D) 2 64 17.2 128 Strongly Disagree (SD) 1 59 15.9 59 Total 15 372 100% 1338 Source: Field Survey, (2015) Mean = = = 3.5
From the analysis, 165 respondents strongly agreed and 74 agreed that appointment of Local Government workers should be based strictly on qualification and professional competences. 10 respondents were undecided. 64 disagreed and 59 strongly disagreed to this view. The percentage of those who supported this view were 64.3 % as opposed to 35.7 % of those who disagreed and those who strongly disagreed to this view.
The mean score is 3.5. We agree that appointment of local government workers should be based strictly on qualification and professional competences.
69
4.1.17. Genuine administrative reasons Question 17: Posting of workers from one Local Government to another should be necessitated by genuine administrative reasons rather than political influence.
Options F X % FX Strongly Agree (SA) 5 160 43.0 800 Agree (A) 4 74 19.9 296 Undecided (UD) 3 10 2.7 30 Disagree (D) 2 49 13.1 98 Strongly Disagree (SD) 1 79 21.3 79 Total 15 372 100% 1303 Source: Field Survey, (2015) Mean = = = 3.5
From the analysis, 160 respondents strongly agreed and 82 agreed that the posting of workers from one Local Government to another should be necessitated by genuine administrative reasons rather than political influence. 10 respondents were undecided. 49 disagreed and 79 strongly disagreed to this view. The percentage of those who supported this view were 62.9 % as opposed to 37.1 % of those who disagreed and those who strongly disagreed to this view. The mean score is 3.5. We agree that the posting of workers from one local government to another should be necessitated by genuine administrative reasons rather than political influence. 70
4.1.18. Appropriate laws Question 18: Appropriate laws should be enacted to check the excesses of political influence over matters that are purely bureaucratic in nature, especially, employment, appointment, training, posting and discipline of staff. Options F X % FX Strongly Agree (SA) 5 176 47.4 880 Agree (A) 4 82 22.0 328 Undecided (UD) 3 20 5.3 60 Disagree (D) 2 76 20.5 152 Strongly Disagree (SD) 1 18 4.8 18 Total 15 372 100% 1438 Source: Field Survey, (2015) Mean = = = 3.8
From the analysis, 176 respondents strongly agreed and 82 agreed that appropriate laws should be enacted to check the excesses of political influence over matters that are purely bureaucratic in nature, especially, employment, appointment, training, posting and discipline of staff. 20 respondents were undecided. 76 disagreed and 18 strongly disagreed to this view. The percentage of those who supported this view were 69.4 % as opposed to 30.6 % of those who disagreed and those who strongly disagreed to this view.
The mean score is 3.8. We agree that appropriate laws should be enacted to check the excesses of political influence over matters that are purely bureaucratic in nature, especially, employment, appointment, training, posting and discipline of staff. 71
4.2 Analysis A chi-square at 0.05 level of significance were used for the research hypothesis. Hypothesis 1: Which says: The politicization of local government appointments affect adversely the management of human and material resources of local government in Enugu State. 0f Ef 0-e (0-e)2 (0-e)2 E 86 74.4 11.6 134.56 1.8 41 74.4 -33.4 1115.56 14.9 15 74.4 -59.4 3528.36 47.4 125 74.4 50.6 2560.36 34.4 105 74.4 30.6 936.36 12.5 372 X2 111 Assumed level of significance 0.05
Degree of freedom (df) = total categories of respondents minus (-) 1, (N-1), = 4
Decision: Since the calculated chi-square (x2) value of 111 is greater than the table value is 9.49 and degree of freedom 4. We therefore reject the hypothesis which says that the politicization of local government appointments affect adversely the management of human and material resources of local government in Enugu State.
Hypothesis 2: Which says: Non-compliance with appointment guidelines in local governments in Enugu State is not significant. 0f Ef 0-e (0-e)2 (0-e)2 E 92 74.4 17.6 309.76 4.1 68 74.4 -6.4 40.96 0.5 18 74.4 -56.4 3180.96 42.7 108 74.4 33.6 1128.96 15.1 86 74.4 11.6 134.56 1.8 372 X2 64.2 Assumed level of significance 0.05
Degree of freedom (df) = total categories of respondents minus (-) 1, (N-1), = 4 72
Decision: Since the calculated chi-square (x2) value of 64.2 is greater than the table value is 9.49 and degree of freedom 4. We therefore reject the hypothesis which says that non- compliance with appointment guidelines in local governments in Enugu State is not significant.
Hypothesis 3: Which says: There is no significant relationship between the measures taken to minimize the negative effect of the politicization of local government appointment on service delivery in Enugu State. 0f Ef 0-e (0-e)2 (0-e)2 E 71 74.4 3.4 11.56 0.1 29 74.4 -45.4 2061.16 27.7 20 74.4 -54.4 2959.36 39.7 196 74.4 121.6 14786.56 198.7 56 74.4 -18.4 338.56 4.5 372 X2 270.7 Assumed level of significance 0.05
Degree of freedom (df) = total categories of respondents minus (-) 1, (N-1), = 4
Decision: Since the calculated chi-square (x2) value of 270.7 is greater than the table value is 9.49 and degree of freedom 4. We therefore reject the hypothesis which says that there is no significant relationship between the measures taken to minimize the negative effect of the politicization of local government appointment on service delivery in Enugu
State.
4.3 Findings
Having presented and analyzed the data generated in this study in the preceding section, the findings are hereby presented. The sampled population consists of more male than female with male populations representing 58.1%. It is also worthy to note that the 73 sample is a fairly literate one as those with both HND/Bachelor’s degree and higher degree represent about 34.6 % and 24.8% respectively( see table,05). In another development, only about 1.7 % of the sampled population had their marital status as divorced thus, showing that a greater percentage of those sampled have stable homes. It was revealed from the field survey that 91 (98.1%) of the respondent were Christians, none was a Muslim, 7(1.9%) of the respondents practiced traditional religion.
The current attention on local government administration in Nigeria is a result of sensitive position it occupies in grass root development, and also as a tool for national integration in a diverse and multi- ethnic country like Nigeria. This governmental system is not new in Nigeria society, as it is old as the country itself. It started with traditional institution and passed through series of reforms and transformations during the colonial imperialism and the period of self- government. However, it has been observed that most of the expectations of the grass root people from most of the existing local government administration during democratic government seem to be in mirage.
The employments/appointments given to local government workers are mostly based on party connections or political influence. This means that majority of those who gain employment or appointment into the local government are those people who have political god-fathers such as the Local Government Chairman, Party Chairman,
Commissioners, and even the Executive Governor of the State amongst others. Career appointments/employments which are supposed to be strictly based on merit are no longer based on merit. For example, holders of B.Sc degrees in fields such as Economics,
Theatre Arts, Sociology and some Educationists are made Administrative officers in the 74
Local Government bureaucracy simply because they are graduates. Consequently, there is low productivity and inefficient service delivery.
The study has equally revealed that due to excessive influence of politicians on employment, most Local Governments are overstaffed to the extent that they find it difficult to pay their staff salaries as at when due. This is partly because the monthly statutory allocation becomes insufficient. Furthermore, the study has revealed that due to excessive influence and control of politicians over the resources of the Local government, there is high level of mismanagement, misappropriation and embezzlement of public fund. Hence, the backward state of the local government areas. It has also been found from this study that, due to too much influence and control exercised on the bureaucrats by the politicians, the local government bureaucrats tend to affiliate themselves with the ruling party in order to obtain favour. This attitude of the bureaucrats negates the principle of neutrality of civil servants to any government. Hence, they become partisan politicians. 75
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, RECOMMENDATIONS AND CONCLUSION
5.1 Summary
The inseparability of politics and administration has enormous impact on the management of both the human and material resources vis-a-vis the service delivery capacity of the Local Governments in Enugu State. On this note, the Politicians tend to exercise enormous influence/control over administrators or the bureaucrats, especially in the aspect of appointments and service delivery. Such political interference in purely bureaucratic affairs such as recruitment, posting, discipline and transfer of staff accounts greatly for the inefficiency, ineffectiveness and the general state of backwardness in the
Local Government system of Enugu State. This concern has necessitated this study by the researcher.
The researcher therefore decided and carried out an extensive and thorough research into the politicization of local government appointment and service delivery in
Nigeria. Consequently, the study was conducted in Enugu State with a view to discovering problems associated with politicization of appointments/employments in the
Local Government system and proffer solution that could lead to meritorious appointments/employments that can further lead to efficient and effective service delivery in the Local Government system of Enugu State, thus, for the purpose of clarity, the work was divided into five (5) chapters. The research opens up discussions with the background to the study, statement of the problem, objectives, significance of the study, the scope and limitations of the study in chapter one. Chapter two begins with the review 76 of relevant literature on what scholars have said about the Politics, the nature of Politics in Nigeria, the Level of politicization in Nigeria, the concept of local government, reasons for the establishment of Local Government, foundation of Nigeria local government (Native Authority-1903-1950), the Collapse of the Native Authority System
(1950-1966), local government under the Military Rule (1966-1976), the 1976 local government reforms and after-Maths-1976-1983, local government since 1999, appointment in Local Government in Enugu State, manifestation of Politicization in
Enugu State Local Government System and the implications of politicization of local government appointment and service delivery in Enugu State . Also included in chapter two is the research procedure with particular emphasis on the hypotheses, study population, sampling techniques and method of data analysis. Chapter three focused on background information on Enugu State. Chapter four deals strictly with data presentation and analysis, findings to enhance the understanding of the research conclusion.
5.2 Recommendations
The following recommendations have been proffered as remedies to the bureaucratic bottlenecks in the Local Government system, pertaining to appointment and effective service delivery.
1. For the purpose of efficient and effective service delivery, appointment of Local
Government workers should be based strictly on qualification and professional
competences. Before they are employed or appointed to any position or office, they
should be subjected to both oral and written examination, which should be conducted 77
under strict supervision to prove their worth/competencies. And for those in Technical
Departments such as Works and Health Departments, their examination before
employment or appointment should involve practical demonstration of knowledge and
skills. By so doing, politicization of employment would be eradicated in the Local
Government, which will enhance the efficient and effective performance of workers
towards responsiveness service delivery.
2. Posting of workers from one Local Government to another should be necessitated by
genuine administrative reasons rather than political influence. For example, a vibrant
administrator or technocrat who is development oriented can be posted to a backward
local Government in terms of development, with the aim of developing the Local
Government Area in question in order to meet up its counterparts.
3. To avoid over staffing and its consequences of non- payment of salaries as at when
due, and the problem of redundancy, workers should be recruited when need be.
Politicians should not turn the local government to “welfare agency” by randomly
providing jobs to their unemployed party supporters.
4. The assignment of duties (schedule of work) to workers should be based on their
ability, qualification and competence to do the job expected of them for efficient and
effective service delivery. It means that an officer who is quite competent should not
be removed and replaced with another, simply because his uncle or brother has
become the Chairman of the Local Government or a member of the State or Federal
House of Assembly. Bureaucratic appointments should not be politicized. 78
5. Workers who have taken pain to undergo studies in Public Administration and are
competent holders of Degree Certificate should be tested and appointed to appropriate
positions/offices where they can practically apply the knowledge acquired rather than
leaving them redundant, because rather than boosting their morale, redundancy will
demoralize them.
6. Finally, appropriate laws should be enacted to check the excesses of political
influence over matters that are purely bureaucratic in nature, especially, employment,
appointment, training, posting and discipline of Staff. And the boundary of authority
between the politicians and administrators should be clearly stated to enable
bureaucrats control, discipline and manage their subordinates without fear of
victimization. By so doing, the service delivery capacity of the Local Governments
would be enhanced in terms of efficiency, effectiveness and greater productivity.
5.3 Conclusion
This study submits that the Politicians, in the quest to administer the Local
Government in partnership with the career administrators, exercise too much power/influence on bureaucracy, pertaining recruitment, employment and appointment, including posting of staff. Thus, the power/authority to manage both the human and material resources of the Local Government lies in the hand of the politicians. They direct the career administrators on the way and manner the resources should be utilized.
However, most of their directives aim at boosting personal aggrandizement, consequently, the rationale behind the establishment of Local Governments has been 79 hampered. Simply put, the inability of the Local Governments in Enugu State to render effective and efficient service to the Local populace/grassroots is largely due to too much influence and control that the politicians exercise over the management of both the human and material resources of the Local Government especially in the area of recruitment of staff on the basis of political bed-fellows, family or ethnic considerations rather than purely on qualification and professional competence.
For the Local Governments to perform better in terms of efficient and effective service delivery therefore, the need to depoliticize career employment/appointment cannot be over ruled. 80
BIBLIOGRAPHY
BOOKS Adamolekun L (1998). Politics and administration in Nigeria, Ibadan: Spectrum Book Ltd. Adamolekun, L. (2002) Public Administration in Africa. Spectrum books.
Adamolekun, L. (2006) Politics, Bureaucracy and Development in Africa. Ibadan: Spectrum Book Ltd. Adamolekun, L.(1987).Public administration: A Nigerian and comparative perspective, Lagos: Longman Nigeria Ltd. Ademolekun, L. (2006). Politics, bureaucracy and development in Africa Ibadan: Spectrum Books Limited. Adewale, I.A (1999). Local government administration in Nigeria: The challenges of the 1990’s’. Ile-Ife: Department of Local Government Studies, Obafemi Awolowo University. Agbakoba R & Ogbonna M (2004). Local government administration and development in Nigeria. Lagos: The Human Rights Law Services. Aghayere VO 1997. Dominant issues in the Nigerian Local Government System: A Contemporary focus. Lagos: Imprint Services. Amaechi, A. E. and Amara, T. C.(2005). Manual of resource methodology and thesis writing. Ker Experts Book Limited: Aba. Bagaji, A. S. Y. (2002) Substance of Public Administration in Nigeria. Ibadan: University Press Plc. Bello-Imam, B.I. (1996) Local government in Nigeria: Evolving a Third Tier of government. Ibadan: Heinemann Dalhatu, S. (2007). The local government system and the quest for sustainable development in Nigeria, in Dalhatu, S. (ed) Issues on Sustainable Development in Nigerian Local Governments. Bata- Kano: Spider Web Publishing Company. Ezeani, O. E. (2004). Local government administration. Enugu: Zik Chuks Printing Press. 81
Gboyega, A (1995). “The Civil Service Reforms” in Adejumobi S. and Momoh A (eds) The Political Economy of Nigeria Under Military Rule: 1984 – 1993, Harare: Sapes Books. Gboyega, A. (1987). Political values and local government authority. Lagos: Malthouse Press. Hembe, G. N. (1997) Note on Nigeria government and politics before independence. Makurdi; Benue State. Hembe, G.N. (1997). Note on Nigeria Government and Politics Before Independence. Makurdi: Benue State. Kaufman, H. (1963). Politics and policies in state and local government. New Jersey: Premice-Hill. Mauzelis, N.P. (1968). Organisation and bureaucracy: An analysis of modern theories, Chicago, Aldimie Publishing Company Nnadozie, U. O. (2004) The state, civil service and underdevelopment Nigeria. Enugu: Johnkens and Willy Publishing Co. Nig. Ltd. Obasi,I.N.(1999). Research methodology in political science. Enugu: Academic Publishing Company. Oguonu, C.N.(2012). Fiscal management and grassroots development: Issues and concerns in the Nigerian context. An inaugural lecture of the University of Nigeria, delivered on November 29. Okoli, F. C. (2000). Theory and practice of local government: A Nigerian Perspective. Enugu: John Jacob’s Classic Publishers Ltd. Okoli, F. C. (2004). Theory and practice of public organizations: A Book of Readings. Enugu: John Jacob’s Classic Publishers Ltd. Omale, S. P. (2001). Politics and public administration in Nigeria. Dekina: SILOM Publications. Onah, F. O. (2003). Human resource management. Enugu: Fulladu Publishing Company. Ozor, E. (2003). Third tier government in Nigeria. Ibadan: University Press.
Yamane,Y (1967) Statistics: An introductory analysis, (2nd Edition) New York: Harper and Row.
82
JOURNALS
Basher, A and Muhammed, A.B (2012) .Challenges of democratization at the grassroots in Nigeria. Case study of Taraba State”. Research on Humanities and Social Sciences.2 (7): 98-108. Dudley, L. S. (2005) “Bureaucracy Perspective on”, in Encyclopedia of Public Administration and Public Policy. Jack Rabin (ed) Vol. 1. Enoma, A. and Isedu, M. (2011). The impact of financial sector reforms on non-oil export in Nigeria, Journal of Economics, 2 (2),115-120 Halcrow A (1988). Employees Are Your Best Recruiters, Pers. Journals. 67 (11), 42-49.
Isijola, O. (1989). Strategies for an improved local government service in Nigeria. A Case Study of Ondo State” in The Nigerian Journal of Local Government Studies. 3(1),19 – 35. Nwachuckwu, J. U. (2004). Military regimes and local government administration in Nigeria: A historical analysis. Obitun Journal of the Humanities, 3 (4), 64-73. Olowu, D. and Smoke, P. (1992). Determinants of success in African local governments: An overview. Public Administration and Development, 12(1): 1-17. Onah, F. O. (2003). Politicization of local government bureaucracy in Nigeria: Manifestations and implications. In Abuja Management Review. 1(2),203-215. Oviasuyi, P.O, Idada,W and Isiraojie, L. (2010). Constraints of local government administration in Nigeria .Journal of Social Sciences, 24(2): 81-86 Samihah, K and Adelabu, S. A (2011) “Modeling Local Government System in Nigeria”, Kuwait Chapter of Arabian Journal of Business and Management Review, 1 (1): 136-154
INTERNET MATERIALS
“Local Government Administration and the Challenges of Rural Development in Nigeria”. http:www.articlesbase.com/leadership_articles,2008. Accessed on 21/0110/2015.
Mogabey.com (Fille://A:The %20 Civil %20 Service.Htm) File://A:Nigerian % 20 Govt.htm http//www.enugustate.gov.ng accessed on 14/0/2015. 83
OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS/GOVERNMENT DOCUMENTS Federal Republic of Nigeria (1976). Guideline for Local Government Reform. Kaduna: Government Printer. Federal Republic of Nigeria (1979) Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Lagos: Federal Government Printer. Federal Republic of Nigeria(1999). Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Lagos: Federal Government Printer. Okafor, E. E. (2005) “Public bureaucracy and development in Nigeria: A Critical Overview of Impediments to Public Service Delivery,” In CODESRIA BULLETIN, Nos 3 and 4. UNPUBLISHED MATERIALS
Gboyega, A. (1999) The Future of Local Governments in Nigeria. Being a Paper presented at ALGON Workshop at Women Development Centre, Abuja, November, 28 – 30th 84
Department of Public Administration and Local Government University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Enugu State. 10th October, 2015.
Dear Respondent,
I am a Post Graduate (M.Sc) student of the above department, at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka conducting a research on the topic; Politicisation of local government appointment and service delivery in Nigeria. A study of Enugu State.
You have been chosen as one of the respondent in this study. You are kindly requested to supply answers to the questions by tick (√) or written responses as appropriately as you can, in the boxes provided.
This research is purely for academic purpose and your identity is not needed as all information will be treated with utmost confidence.
Yours Sincerely
Asogwa, Obiageli.I (Researcher)
85
SECTION A QUESTIONNAIRE – PERSONAL DATA Kindly tick (√) in the appropriate space provided 1. Gender (i) Male [ ] (ii) female [ ] (2) Marital status (i) Married [ ] (ii) single [ ] (iii) Widow [ ] (iv) Divorced [ ] 3. Age (i) 21-30 years [ ] (ii) 31-40 years [ ] (iii) 41-50 years [ ] (iv) 51-60 years [ ] (v) 61 years above. [ ] 4. Religious Affiliation i) Christianity [ ] ii) Islam [ ] iii) Traditional Religion [ ] 5. Educational Qualification of Respondents. I. FLSC [ ] II. SSCE/GCE [ ] III. OND/ NCE [ ] IV. Bachelor’s Degree/ HND [ ] V. Higher Degree [ ] 6. Occupation of Respondents (i). Civil Servant [ ] (ii). School [ ] (iii). Farmer [ ] (iv). Teacher [ ] 86
SECTION B RESEARCH HYPOTHESES AND VARIABLES INSTRUCTION: Respond by ticking (v) the option that best suits your opinion. Strongly Agree (SA) = 5 Agree (A) = 4 Undecided (UD) = 3 Disagree (D) = 2 Strongly Disagree (SD) = 1
Table 01: Responses to ascertain if the politicization of local government appointments affect the management of human and material resources of local government in Enugu State S/No 5 4 3 2 1 Variables SA A UD D SD 1. Appointment in the local government in Enugu State is based on party Connection. 2. Employees have become difficult to Control because, politicians influence Employment in Enugu State 3. Excessive politicization of employment affect workers service delivery in Enugu State.
87
Table 02: Responses to ascertain if non-compliance with appointment guidelines in local governments in Enugu State is not significant
S/No 5 4 3 2 1 Variables SA A UD D SD 4. Politician Influence Staff training and Posting in Enugu State. 5. The Local government in Enugu State is the apparatus of government designed to implement the decisions of political leaders. 6. Wrongful staff deployment has a very damaging effect on management of human resources
Table 03: Responses to ascertain if there is no significant relationship between the measures taken to minimize the negative effect of the politicization of local government appointment on service delivery in Enugu State. S/No 5 4 3 2 1
Variables SA A UD D SD
7. Appointment of Local Government workers should be based strictly on qualification and professional competences. 8. Posting of workers from one Local Government to another should be necessitated by genuine administrative reasons rather than political influence. 9. Appropriate laws should be enacted to check the excesses of political influence over matters that are purely bureaucratic in nature, especially, employment, appointment, training, posting and discipline of Staff.