The Decline of Ethical Conducts in the Cross River State Civil Service in Recent Times

Global standards in civil service ethics are aimed at promoting transparency, integrity, accountability, and professionalism in the public sector. These standards help ensure that civil servants adhere to ethical principles and serve the public interest effectively. Some key global standards in civil service ethics include:
•Integrity: Civil servants must act with honesty and uphold the highest moral and ethical standards in their work.
•Impartiality: Civil servants must make decisions and provide services based on merit, without discrimination or bias.
• Transparency: Civil servants must act in a transparent manner, keeping the public informed about their actions and decisions to maintain accountability.
• Accountability: Civil servants are accountable for their actions and decisions, and must be willing to accept responsibility for their conduct.
• Efficiency: Civil servants must strive to deliver services and make decisions in a timely and efficient manner, while also using resources effectively
• Objectivity: Civil servants must make decisions based on evidence and facts, not personal opinions or biases.
• Respect for the law: Civil servants must uphold the law and follow legal procedures in their work.
• Respect for diversity: Civil servants must respect and value diversity, treating all individuals with fairness and respect.
• Professionalism: Civil servants must conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times, maintaining high standards of conduct and performance. •Confidentiality: Civil servants must ensure the confidentiality of sensitive information and protect the privacy of individuals in their care.

International Civil Service Commission (ICSC) Standards of Conduct: The ICSC sets out standards of conduct for international civil servants, including principles of integrity, impartiality, loyalty, and accountability. These standards are aimed at ensuring that civil servants maintain high ethical standards in their work.

The Code of Ethics for Public Officials and Employees: Many countries have adopted codes of ethics that govern the behaviours of public officials and employees. These codes typically outline principles such as honesty, impartiality, confidentiality, and respect for the rule of law among others.

The Civil service has always been a cornerstone of good governance, entrusted with the responsibility of upholding ethical standards and serving of public interest. However, in recent years, the value of the civil service in Cross River state has been steadily declining as ethical conduct is discarded in favour of personal gain and political expediency. The historical significance of the civil service in Cross River State dating back to 1969 cannot be understated.

It has long been regarded as a bastion of professionalism and integrity, with civil servants expected to carry out their duties with honesty and dedication. However, in recent years, there have been numerous cases of ethical misconduct within the civil service, ranging from clannish interest, corruption, nepotism to favouritism and cronyism.

One prominent example is the recent scandal involving the promotion of a level 6 officer to the directorate cadre and other instances where contemporaries within the same service ranking are promoted above their colleagues based on their closeness to those in power, or what I called promulgation of ethnic interest against ethical standards as obtainable in the service in other places.

Such instances of unethical behaviour not only erode public trust in the Civil Service but also undermine the very foundations of good governance. The consequences of compromised ethical conduct within the Cross River Civil Service are dire. The erosion of public trust leads to a lack of accountability and transparency, allowing malfeasance to go unchecked.

Moreover, the disregard for ethical standards creates a culture of impunity, where misconduct is tolerated and even rewarded, but thank God for the conscious effort of the present Government, led by His Excellency, Senator, Prince Bassey Edet Otu, who through his workaholic Head of Service, Dr Innocent Eteng and Secretary to the State Government, Prof Anthony Owan Enor are poised to restore the bastardise Cross River state civil service in recent past. Of a truth, the present Government has demonstrated an uncommon determination to restore back the glory of the state civil service.

However to address the observed lapses in the service, it is imperative that immediate steps be taken to restore the value of the civil service in Cross River State. This includes implementing robust mechanisms for accountability and oversight, as well as promoting a culture of ethics and integrity within the civil service.

Additionally, there must be stronger penalties for those found guilty of ethical misconduct, sending a clear message that such will not be tolerated. The declining value of the civil service in Cross River State due to the disregard for ethical conduct is a pressing issue that must be addressed urgently. By upholding the highest standards of professionalism and integrity, the civil service can regain the public trust and fulfill its crucial role in promoting good governance and serving the interests of the people. It is also imperative to review the service codes or regulations to reflect the realities of modern times. To remedy the falling standard of the civil service, here some suggestions that could be helpful to the government:
1. Invest in training and development: Provide ongoing training and professional development opportunities for civil servants to enhance their skills and knowledge. This will help them stay current with best practices and trends in their field, ultimately improving their performance.
2. Implement performance assessments: Establish a robust performance evaluation system to regularly assess civil servants' performance, identify areas for improvement, and provide constructive feedback. Reward exceptional performance and hold underperforming employees accountable.
3. Promote merit-based recruitment and promotion: Ensure that recruitment and promotion processes are based on merit, qualifications, and experience rather than favoritism or nepotism. This will help attract and retain the most qualified and competent individuals in the civil service.
4. Foster a culture of accountability: Hold civil servants accountable for their actions and decisions, and establish clear consequences for misconduct or underperformance. Encourage transparency and ethical behavior across all levels of the civil service.
5. Provide adequate resources and support: Ensure that civil servants have access to the necessary resources, tools, and support systems to perform their duties effectively. Address any deficiencies in funding, manpower, or infrastructure that may be hindering their ability to deliver quality services.
6. Encourage innovation and creativity: Foster a work environment that values innovation, creativity, and continuous improvement. Encourage civil servants to think outside the box, experiment with new ideas, and fi nd innovative solutions to complex problems.
7. Enhance communication and collaboration: Improve communication channels and foster collaboration among civil service departments and agencies. Encourage knowledge sharing, teamwork, and coordination to streamline processes, eliminate duplication of efforts, and deliver more efficient services to the public.

By following these recommendations and prioritizing reforms that promote professionalism, integrity, and excellence in the civil service, the government can work towards improving the standard of service delivery and restoring public trust in the civil service. This indeed is time to restore ethics to the forefront of the civil service in Cross River State.

Mike Igbo
Mike Igbo, Director of Information, writes in from CRISSAA