Public appointments should be based on competence – PRP chieftain

Presidential hopeful and leader of the Peoples Redemption Party, Yakubu Kingsley, has argued that public appointments should be based on merit, integrity, representation and accountability rather than ethnicity, religion, political allegiance or personal loyalty. In a statement, the former PRP presidential candidate emphasized that the principle of merit-based appointments should be applied consistently across different regions, communities, genders and generations in Nigeria's government.

Kingsley proposed a framework that would allow Nigerians to evaluate the geographical, professional and other dimensions of representation in government, thereby reducing political disputes over appointments. He further proposed that inclusion should extend beyond government appointments to policymaking and consultations with various societal groups, including political parties, professional bodies, religious organizations, traditional institutions, civil society organizations, academia, labor unions, the private sector, women and youth groups, individuals with disabilities, Nigerians living abroad and community groups.

Kingsley stressed that while government must remain neutral in matters of religion and political factions, it should establish structured channels for consultation with these constituencies, incorporating their knowledge, experience and perspectives into national development. He also argued that the government should reflect the country's diverse ethnic, cultural, religious, professional, political and regional makeup, granting legitimate interests a voice and ensuring Nigerians have a fair opportunity to contribute to the nation's development.