It is important for public servants who issue birth certificates, leases and receipts, and police officers who conduct arrest and detention, not to display the appearance of being angry with the people. They should always acknowledge that they are serving them.
This is the objective of civil service and security sector reforms. The 1997 Constitution created a code of conduct precisely to achieve such an aim. It states:
“1. A public officer shall respect and comply with the law and shall conduct himself or herself at all times in a manner which promotes confidence in the integrity of public office.
2. A public officer shall acquire such professional competence to enable him or her to perform the functions of his or her office with efficiency. He or she shall dispose promptly of the business of his or her office, shall devote adequate time to his or her duties, and be punctual in attending work and expeditious in bringing to a conclu sion any matter under his or her attention. A public officer shall require his or her staff to observe the same standards.
3. A public officer shall not, in the course of his or her official functions and without lawful excuse, do or cause to be done any action which is prejudicial to the rights of any other person.
4. In the exercise of his or her duties, a public officer shall avoid nepotism and favouritism.
5. A public officer shall not encourage others to convey the impression that they are i n a special position to influence him or her.
6. A public officer shall take appropriate action with regard to contravention of this Code by members of his or her staff or others subject to his or her control.
7. A public officer who does any act prohibited by this Code through an agent shall himself or herself be deemed to have done such act.”
Hence the ministers, permanent secretaries, the CDS, the IGP should all strive to prevail on people who work under them to display such conduct. Such attitude would contribute to stability in the country, especially in the face of economic difficulties.
