The Implications of Hubert Hart’s Concept of Political Obligation for the Nigeria Public Service

Abstract

This paper argues that the responsibilities of the public service involve the observation of strict neutrality while ensuring the continuity of policies based on overall national interest, the implementation of policies and the initiation of economic, social and educational objectives of both the Federal and State Governments. It points out that the problem of the public service in Nigeria is rooted in the problem of moral decadence. Finally, drawing from Hart‟s concept of political obligation, it suggests that for an improved publicservice, there is need for genuine commitment towards responsibilities, which also require that the members of any society learn not only to identify with their society but also to be committed to their work as their individual contributions for the general good.

Keywords: public service; political obligation; morality; commitment