- Goodluck Jonathan expresses concern over state governors allegedly favoring criminals for political gains instead of promoting civil service excellence
- He commends Governor Godwin Obaseki for prioritizing human capital development and increasing the state minimum wage to N70,000
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has raised concerns about some state governors allegedly using criminals for political gains instead of promoting excellence within the civil service.
Jonathan made these remarks on Wednesday in Benin City during the inauguration of state secretariats refurbished by Governor Godwin Obaseki.
As the Head of Service mentioned, he commended Obaseki for employing the first graduates, highlighting that such initiatives require visionary leadership. Jonathan contrasted this approach with governors in other states who, he claimed, prioritize criminals for political activities like rigging elections rather than nurturing talented individuals.
“In fact, if you go to some states, governors are busy encouraging criminals because of politics, people that would rig the election for them, carry ballot boxes, knives and cutlasses pursuing people during the election,” Jonathan stated.
He emphasized the importance of supporting intellectual pursuits among youths, urging them to focus on academic excellence rather than joining cults or engaging in vices. Jonathan praised Obaseki for focusing on developing human capital and improving the welfare of civil servants, citing the increase in the state minimum wage to N70,000 as an example of visionary leadership.
“To be a leader, especially a political leader, local government chairman, state governor or president of a country, you must have a vision,” Jonathan affirmed, noting that effective governance entails building and empowering people.
Governor Obaseki underscored the importance of functional government bureaucracy for state progress, asserting that investments in public servants’ capacity and infrastructure are crucial for attracting private sector investments and developing Edo State.
Overall, Jonathan’s remarks underscored the need for visionary leadership and the promotion of meritocracy over patronage in governance.