The debate about competence and politics in appointing political officers has resurfaced as Nigeria prepares for a new government come May 29.
Should party members who ensured the victory of a candidate be settled with appointments?
Spokesperson of the Social Democratic Party, SDP in Rivers State, Dr Bethel Oko-Jaja says while contributing to the success of a political party is important the role of competence should not be compromised in selecting political officers.
Some politicians and party faithfuls have begun lobbying for political appointments as reward for participating in the victory of party leaders in the just concluded 2023 general elections.
In an interview on Nigeria Info’s Morning Crossfire, Dr Oko-Jaja advised that the incoming administration should consider competence over political reward, stating that party loyalist who are not competent can be rewarded differently.
He warned that precarious state of the nation may worsen if individuals are selected based on mere contribution to the victory of a party.
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