To ensure political neutrality of civil service, members must

1. Analyze the question The question asks what civil servants must do to keep the civil service politically neutral. Political neutrality means the civil service serves any government in power, whatever its party, without taking sides.

2. Explain the concept In Nigeria, as in other democracies, the civil service is a permanent, non-partisan body. Ministers and governments change after elections, but civil servants stay and must serve every administration loyally and impartially. The key principles are:

• Neutrality/impartiality: they do not support or oppose any political party.
• Anonymity: they are not publicly credited or blamed for policies. The minister takes responsibility.
• Permanence: they keep their jobs when governments change.

To remain neutral, civil servants are restricted from partisan political activity, such as holding party offices, campaigning, or publicly supporting a party.

3. Step-by-step solution

• A. Work without pay: Wrong. Civil servants are paid salaries. Pay has nothing to do with neutrality.
• B. Abstain from party politics: Correct. Staying out of party politics is what makes them neutral and able to serve any government.
• C. Engage in bribery and corruption: Wrong. This is misconduct and is punishable.
• D. Control the minister: Wrong. Civil servants advise and implement. The minister is the political head and directs the ministry.

4. Answer The correct option is B. abstain from party politics.

5. Exam tip For questions on the civil service, remember "PAN": Permanence, Anonymity, Neutrality. If the question mentions neutrality, look for an option about staying out of partisan politics.