The following are means of controlling public corporation except _________

Analyze the question: We are asked which option is NOT a means of controlling public corporations (government-owned enterprises such as NNPC, NEPA/PHCN, or the Nigerian Ports Authority).

Concept: Public corporations are set up by an Act of the legislature or a decree. The government keeps control over them to make sure they serve the public interest and don't misuse funds. The usual methods of control are:

1. Legislative control: The National Assembly creates the corporation through an Act, can debate its reports and accounts, investigate it through committees, and approve its budget.
2. Ministerial control: The supervising minister appoints the board members, gives policy directions, and approves major decisions.
3. Judicial control: The courts can review the corporation's actions and decide whether it acted within its legal powers (ultra vires). They can also hear cases brought against it.
4. Other methods: Audit of accounts, presidential/executive directives, and public complaints commissions.

Step-by-step solution:

• A. Legislative control is a recognized method, so it is not the answer.
• B. Judicial control is a recognized method, so it is not the answer.
• C. Ministerial control is a recognized method, so it is not the answer.
• D. "Chief of staff control" is not a recognized method of controlling public corporations. The Chief of Staff is an adviser and administrator in the Presidency and has no formal supervisory role over public corporations.

Answer: D.

Exam tip: For "control of public corporations," remember L-M-J: Legislative, Ministerial, Judicial. If an option does not fit these (or the audit and presidential directive categories), it is probably the "except" answer. Always read the word "except" carefully, because you are looking for the odd one out.