The role of the administrative governor is considered basic and authentic in Jordanian society, and it is an old position, similar to the professions of teaching and medicine, unlike other later-emerging careers that developed with the state. Jordanian memory is also rich with a significant folk heritage for this position.
Understanding the role of the administrative governor in Jordanian social thought through historical tracking reveals its influence by political, economic, and social transformations, and how the role of the administrative governor evolved from merely being a representative of the central authority to becoming a fundamental pillar in state-building and achieving developmental and modernization requirements.
During the founding period of the Emirate, the administrative governor represented an extension of the prince's authority and was linked to the chief of ministers, specializing in essential tasks such as resolving disputes, handling complaints, and providing basic services. The locals referred to him in all their official transactions, and his work heavily relied on prevailing customs and traditions.
The role of the administrative governor was enhanced after independence and the establishment of the kingdom, as he represented the executive authority and became a key element in building state institutions and stabilizing its pillars. This was in addition to his traditional role in maintaining security, maintaining his strong social function as a link between the citizen and the government.
As the state entered a phase of modernization, some aspects of the administrative governor's role changed, with his security and administrative tasks and leadership of executive units still in place amidst increasing complexities. He maintained his role as a social safety valve, especially in crises and tough situations, and as a main reference in issues requiring quick and decisive government intervention. He also became a strategic partner in local development, supervising government projects, promoting decentralization, playing a significant role in the economy and investments, and taking on inclusive tasks across different fields and providing services.
Thus, the Jordanian social sphere does not regard the administrative governor as merely a government official assigned specific tasks and duties; instead, he is seen as a pivotal active personality, transcending traditional administrative duties and impacting the formation of social consciousness.
In the Jordanian context, the administrative governor represents a unique fulcrum, embodying a precise balance between the requirements of imposing the state's authority and legal power and the needs of society and its social nature.
Analyzing the role of the administrative governor socially, and understanding that he represents the government and its authority in the field, responsible for applying its policies and overseeing basic services and the supremacy of law, makes the administrative governor a guarantor of stability, order, justice, national unity, and the protection of public freedoms, enhancing citizens' trust in state institutions.
The social interaction of the administrative governor also deepens his role as a vital contact point between the government and the citizens. He receives citizens' complaints and demands, conveys their aspirations and needs to the central government, and in return, explains public policies and decisions to them, clarifying the situations and challenges faced, in a reciprocal process that helps bridge the trust gap between both parties.
He also acts as a developmental leader, building and managing development processes, and enhancing the role of citizens and civil society institutions in local governance.
The administrative governor's important social uniqueness is also highlighted, considered the guardian of society with its kind values and authentic customs, rooted in his role in maintaining public order. He is primarily responsible for protecting the society and its public system, and for taking the necessary measures to counter any assaults on it.
The role of the administrative governor does not stop here; given the social structure influenced by clans with their customs and traditions playing an active role, the administrative governor emerges as a distinguished social figure, obliged to understand tribal culture and local particularities, handle community issues wisely, participate in social, religious, and national events, engage directly with daily life, demonstrating the necessity for the administrative governor's insight in handling tribal and regional issues and mitigating their effects.
In all this, the administrative governor exercises a profound balance between his legal powers and social influence, dynamically not only enforcing the law but also acting as a social mediator striving to boost community cohesion and maintain civil peace, deeply embedding the social value of the administrative governor, which is reflected in the concept of the Ministry of Interior as a sovereign ministry.
