Political influence on bureaucratic growth and social responsiveness: A case of Ondo State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study takes a critical look at the ways through which political office holders manipulated recruitment into
the public service of Ondo State between 1999 and 2003. It holds that the phenomenal rise in the size of the
public service of Ondo state during this period was due largely to political exertion; something akin to the
spoils systems in the 18th century United States. The cost implication of this increase was adjudged disturbing
as 65.31% of the revenue accruable to the State goes to the payment of the emolument of these public servants
who constitute just 1% of the entire population. This paper notes the complacency of the top echelon of the
public service as regards the abandonment of the merit system in recruitment in to the public service during
this period. It concludes that the implications of this phenomenal rise in the size of the public service, including
the manner of accomplishing it are of far reaching implications for the public service and the society.