Public appointments should be based on competence – PRP chieftain

Yakubu Kingsley, a presidential candidate and leader of the Peoples Redemption Party, has emphasized that public appointments should be determined by competence, integrity and accountability, rather than factors like ethnicity, religion, political affiliation or personal loyalty. The former aspirant stressed the importance of ensuring fair representation across regions, communities, genders and generations in government, stating that "the guiding principle should be simple: Merit, Integrity, Representation, Transparency and Accountability."

Kingsley advocated for the Federal Character principle to be applied transparently and measurably, transforming it from a mere political argument into a genuine instrument of governance. He proposed a framework for public appointments that would allow Nigerians to examine geographical, professional and other dimensions of representation, potentially reducing political disputes over appointments.

The candidate also advocated for inclusion to extend beyond government appointments to policymaking and consultations with various sectors of society, including political parties, professional bodies, religious organizations, traditional institutions, civil society organizations, academia, labor, the private sector, women and youth groups, people with disabilities, Nigerians in the diaspora and community groups.

Kingsley stressed that governance should involve broader consultation with different groups to ensure their knowledge, experience and reach are considered in national development.

In addition, Kingsley proposed that the principle of inclusion should apply to communities where Nigeria's natural resources are extracted, arguing that the government must reflect the nation's diversity. He emphasized that legitimate interests should be heard, and Nigerians should have a fair opportunity to contribute to the nation's development.