A retired Professor of Sociology at the University of Lagos, Prof Lai Olurode, on Wednesday advised the President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu listing factors that must be considered as he makes appointments in his new administration.
Olurode also advised newly elected governors to consider the same factors in their appointments for he said these are directly responsible for performances of government.
He listed readiness to serve, health conditions age as central to how the incoming administration will handle the affairs of the country.
In a statement made available to the NPO Reports on Wednesday, Olurode, said political appointments should not be for those who are driven by desperate desire for the perquisites and fame that such positions confer on occupants.
“There must be a burning desire that recognises that Nigeria is in an emergency in all spheres and that life needs to be restored to all sectors. Good governance is indeed an imperative,” Olurode said
He siad that “a measurement instrument should be designed that will assist elected officials at all cadres to capture previous contributions to service either in the private or public sector.”
Explaining why health conditions of nominees are important, Olurode added that in the key sectors that are critical to development in the third world, such as education, works, health, department and rural transformation, young people in their thirties or forties should be searched for.
“The cut off age for sectors that are the life wire of the economy, should be about 55. Of course, we recognise that there may be individuals who are outside this age bracket but, are nevertheless, savvy and healthy. An allowance can be made for such exceptional cases. Apart from placing services far higher in our considerations, gender balance is being advocated for. Appointees must represent and reflect Nigeria’s diversities, ethno-religious complexity. This would enable all Nigerians to have confidence in the new governments at all levels. This would also promote synergy between state and society. A non-inclusive government cannot work in present day Nigeria.
Professor Olurode went further: ‘New governments should stay away from the temptations of winners take all which can only breed unnecessary rivalry and run the government down’ mentality. Those who could not make the list of political appointees and rightly or wrongly believe they had played significant roles in putting the government in place should realise that service to society or state is elastic and the objective can be met in or out of government circles. Political party members, campaign managers among other social groups shouldn’t mount too much pressure on members of the new governments. They should concede some breathing space to them to enable them think through policy documents that are central to good governance. Too much pressure on elected officials is inimical to their health and good governance’.
He concluded by advising Nigerians to emulate the attitudes of late Alh. Lateef Jakande, Chief Bisi Akande and Governor Nasir El-Rufai whose attitude to governance is one of service which can be achieved even outside of political office.