Adherence to code of conduct will reduce corruption, others

From Okwe Obi, Abuja

A Civil Society Organisation, Accountability Lab Nigeria, has said that adherence to the code of conduct will reduce corruption and give room for transparency and fairness.

Its Programmes and Leaning Manager, who spoke at a one-day roundtable workshop on the code of conduct and national ethics and integrity policy, for ministries, departments and agencies recently in Abuja, stressed that the process would further give public servants a sense of belonging regardless of their tribes.

Meanwhile, a Professor of Public Sector Management and Governance, University of Abuja, Ukertor Moti, in his presentation on comparative analysis report findings on the subject matter, argued that with strict adherence to the code of conduct, the public sector would be bastardized.

“Public service is the vehicle for public service delivery and governance.

“The quality of the public service largely determines the pace of development of any nation. Public servants play a crucial role in the formulation and implementation of programmes of governments.

Also, the Director General of Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR), Dasuki Arabi, tasked public servants to implement a code of conduct, revealing that over 90% of public servants were unaware of the Code.

“MDAS are the machinery upon which government policies and objectives are driven,” he said.

“It is an organ responsible for service delivery to citizens. Therefore, this underscores the need for a functional and effective public service devoid of all trappings that could negate her operations and existence.

“While the Code of Conduct Act specifies issues of ethics in relation to Asset Declaration by Public Officers, the National Ethics and Integrity Policy (NEIP) seeks to highlight those core values required for effective service delivery.

“On human dignity, freedom of movement, freedom of association, equality before the law, voice and participation, patriotism, personal responsibility and professionalism.

“In order to ensure that public service Institutions meet the aspirations of citizens and are able to discharge their duties creditably, there is the need to ensure that the public officers understand the rudiments of the provisions guiding their job operations and functions for proper guidance.”