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.