Abstract
This Study examined the effect of political neutrality in the management of Local government areas in Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara State. The study is qualitative in nature. A sample of fifteen (15) respondents was selected for the study. Purposive random sampling technique was adopted to determine the target respondents in study areas. The study established that elected official’s legitimate political discretion and staff professional integrity is crucial for the grass-root governance. It concludes that despite many local government reforms aimed at improving their relationship, there is still lack of strict adherence to ethical values which made it difficult for such relationship to maintain its normal ethical practice. The study therefore recommends the need for government to safeguard political neutrality and impartiality of staff, and elected official’s legitimate political discretion, harmonize local government official relationship to enhance general performance in the management of the authority. This can be in form of codifying the political neutrality of civil servants into law and strictly enforcing rules that prohibit them from partisan political activity. In the case of elected councilors, they should be empowered to provide effective legislative control without unwarranted interference in detail management of the local authority.
Keywords: Political Neutrality, Political Discretion, Service Delivery
DOI: www.doi.org/10.36349/fujpam.2025.v4i02.015
author/Gwandu, B.G., Kasim, B.B., Tanko, G.I. & Ka'oje, N.A.
journal/FUJPAM Vol. 4, No. 2
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
