By Yusuf Kazeem Kolawole
Economist and Public Affairs Analyst
Public administration is ultimately about serving the people. Government may formulate policies, approve budgets and make promises, but the true measure of governance is the extent to which those policies translate into tangible improvements in the lives of citizens.
The teachings and leadership example of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) provide important principles that can help explain the responsibilities of public administration, particularly in the areas of justice, accountability, consultation, competence and service to humanity.
One of the fundamental lessons is that leadership is a trust. Public office should therefore be regarded as an amanah—a responsibility entrusted to an individual for the benefit of the people. A public official should not see political office as an opportunity for personal enrichment, intimidation or the accumulation of privileges.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also emphasized justice and fairness. Administration should not discriminate between citizens because of political affiliation, social status, religion, wealth or personal connections. Every citizen deserves access to government services according to established laws and policies.
Another important principle is accountability. Those entrusted with authority must be prepared to account for their decisions and the resources placed under their control. In modern government, this principle should encourage transparency in public expenditure, procurement, contracts and development projects.
The principle of consultation, or Shura, is equally relevant. Good administration should listen to the people. Government cannot effectively understand the challenges of a community without engaging residents, professionals, traditional institutions, youth, women, businesses and other stakeholders.
There is also a strong lesson in competence and responsibility. Public appointments should place capable and trustworthy people in positions where their skills can contribute to effective service delivery. Political loyalty should not completely replace competence.
The Prophet's example also teaches compassion and consideration for ordinary people. Government procedures should not unnecessarily make life difficult for citizens. Public institutions should be accessible, responsive and designed around genuine public needs.
For Nigeria, these principles are particularly relevant. Citizens need to see the impact of government beyond political speeches and ceremonies. They want functioning schools, quality healthcare, good roads, reliable water supply, employment opportunities, security, affordable transportation and an environment where businesses can grow.
At the local government and constituency levels, administration should be especially close to the people. Representatives and administrators should regularly engage their communities, identify their most pressing needs, provide feedback on government programmes and ensure that development projects are properly monitored.
The lesson from the Prophetic model is not that modern government should simply copy the political structure of seventh-century Arabia. Rather, the ethical principles of trust, justice, accountability, consultation, competence, honesty and compassion can provide a moral framework for contemporary public administration.
A government should therefore be judged by what citizens receive from governance, not merely by what leaders announce.
Leadership is a trust. Public resources are a trust. Public office is a trust. The citizen is not a burden on government; the citizen is the reason government exists.
If public administration embraces these principles, governance can move from administration for the powerful to administration for the people.
Yusuf Kazeem Kolawole
Economist and Public Affairs Analyst
Post a Comment