NASS workers protest over violation of character in appointments

Parliamentary workers at the National Assembly have raised concerns over what they described as repeated violations of the federal character principle in the appointment of secretaries, warning that failure to address the issue could trigger industrial unrest.

The workers, under the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria, National Assembly chapter, made their position known in a formal protest letter addressed to the Chairman of the National Assembly Service Commission. The letter was made available to journalists at the union’s headquarters in Abuja on Sunday.

Signed by the union chairman, Sabiyyi Sunday, and dated December 22, the letter accused the commission of ignoring constitutional provisions that require fairness and balance in public appointments.

The association cited Section 14(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which provides that the composition of the government and its agencies must reflect the federal character of Nigeria to promote national unity and prevent domination by any group.

It also referenced the Federal Character Commission Act, Cap F7, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2024, which mandates equitable representation of the country’s federating units in public service positions.

The union chairman expressed concern over what it described as a recurring practice in which states already represented in the secretary cadre are repeatedly favoured when vacancies arise, to the exclusion of other states within the same geopolitical zone.

He said, “We note with concern instances where a state already represented in the secretary cadre is appointed to fill a vacancy, while other states in the same zone are denied the opportunity.

“This practice is contrary to the Federal Character principle and undermines the spirit of equitable representation. We urge the Commission to ensure strict adherence to the law and avoid perpetuating imbalance in appointments.”

Sunday cited recent events at the Presidency as an example of adherence to due process, commending President Bola Tinubu for reversing the controversial promotion of his Aide-de-Camp.

He said, “We commend the President’s decision to reverse the promotion of his Aide-De-Camp, showcasing his commitment to fairness and integrity.

“This exemplary leadership demonstrates that no one is above the rules and promotes a culture of accountability and transparency. We urge the Commission to follow this precedent, ensuring fairness in decisions and upholding the principles of good governance.”

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The association warned that failure to observe the principle in staffing decisions at the National Assembly would deepen perceptions of bias and undermine fairness in the system.

“We humbly draw attention to the provisions of section 14(3) of the 1999 constitution as amended, further detailed in the Federal Character Commission Act, Cap F7, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2024, which mandates equitable representation across Nigeria’s federating units in public appointments.

“Respecting this principle in appointments is crucial to maintaining fairness and avoiding perceptions of bias. We urge the Commission to ensure compliance to prevent potential industrial unrest,” the letter partly read.

PASAN said it expected the commission to act swiftly on the matter, stressing that compliance with the law was critical to maintaining harmony within the National Assembly bureaucracy.

“We trust that you will take immediate action, and appreciate your attention to this matter,” the union urged.

Very Nigerian reports that the protest comes about a week after Tinubu reportedly reversed the promotion of his Aide-De-Camp, Nuruddeen Yusuf, to the rank of brigadier-general following public backlash and criticism within the Nigerian Army.

A Presidency source had told Very Nigerian that the president “bowed to a superior argument” and cancelled the promotion after it generated widespread discontent and debate over due process and fairness in military promotions.

The decision has since been cited by critics as a benchmark for accountability and adherence to established rules, particularly in sensitive appointments within government institutions, including the National Assembly.

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