QUESTION OF THE DAY
What should be the role of public servants and members of the disciplined force during the political transition?
The existence of a political transition from an outgoing president to an incoming one is usually marked by the exercise of neutrality by all institutions and public servants of the state. It often encourages independence, impartiality and professionalism in the discharge of public service.
It is not surprising that public servants are experiencing difficult times in trying to cope with divided loyalty. Cooperation between the incoming and outgoing presidents would have facilitated the display of professionalism in discharging official functions.
Unfortunately, the outgoing government is giving the impression that it is here to stay thus leaving public servants in a state of divided loyalty to the past and future all at the same time.
Unless this dilemma is overcome the quality of public service would be strained.
