Democracy and Social Service Delivery in Nigeria: A Case Study of Free Medical Programme of Rivers State Government (2007-2013)

Abstract

This study is an empirical assessment of Democracy and Social Service Delivery in Nigeria: A Case Study of Free Medical Programme of Rivers State Government (2007-2013). Structured questionnaire made up of open and close ended questions; personal observation and interview were used to collect primary data. The secondary data were collected through textbooks, journals, newspapers, government and internet publications. Analyses of data were through descriptive statistics of tables and simple percentages. The study revealed that Rivers state Government has averagely performed in social service delivery more especially as it concerns free medical care. In spite of this, the study discovered that some of the factors affecting the discharge of social service delivery by the Rivers state Government in terms timeliness, satisfaction, adequacy and effectiveness are insufficient funds; irregular payment of salaries and allowances; undue political interference and divided loyalty; poor observance of the principle of meritocracy in recruitment and promotion of staff and corruption. It was recommended among others that employment and promotion should be based on ability, high performance, experience, qualification and not patronage; intensification of the campaign against corruption at the local government level by bringing to book all corrupt public officials; regular payment of salaries and allowances and increase funding backed up by prudent management. Finally, the study recommends that undue political interference in the affairs of local governments should be discouraged and stopped.

Keywords: Corruption, Democracy, Ineffective Service Delivery, Meritocracy, Quality Service Delivery, Medical Programme, Rivers State, Social Service Delivery