To ensure political neutrality of civil service, members must

Answer Details

To ensure the political neutrality of the civil service, its members must abstain from party politics. This is one of the fundamental principles governing civil service conduct. Civil servants are expected to serve the government of the day loyally and impartially, regardless of which political party is in power. If civil servants were allowed to engage in partisan political activities, they could use their positions to favour one party over another, undermining public trust and the impartial delivery of government services.

In Nigeria and most democratic systems, civil servants are prohibited from holding political office, campaigning for political parties, or publicly expressing partisan views while in service. This ensures continuity and professionalism in governance even when governments change after elections.

Working without pay, engaging in bribery, and controlling the minister are not principles of the civil service. In fact, bribery and corruption are offences that violate civil service rules, while the minister (a political appointee) directs the ministry, not the other way around.