Jonathan: Integrity, meritocracy key to Nigeria’s progress

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has emphasized the importance of integrity and meritocracy in Nigeria's progress, during the celebration of the retirement of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack. Jonathan commended President Bola Tinubu for appointing Walson-Jack, noting that her selection was particularly commendable as the position was not subject to rotation but required merit.

He stressed that no nation can make meaningful progress when competence is sacrificed for relationships, citing Singapore under former Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew as an example of a nation driven by integrity and meritocracy. Jonathan warned against compromising merit, using a biological analogy to illustrate that assigning the wrong job to the wrong person can prevent a country from achieving its goals.

He described Walson-Jack's career as an example of perseverance and merit, emphasizing that enduring challenging situations can lead to greater opportunities. President Tinubu also praised Walson-Jack's leadership, highlighting her distinguished career and commitment to public service. The administration's Renewed Hope Agenda aims to strengthen Nigeria's civil service by fostering a professional, competent, ethical, and citizen-centred workforce capable of delivering measurable outcomes.