The Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), National Assembly chapter, has formally protested against persistent violations of the Federal Character principle in staff appointments. In a letter dated December 22, the union warned that continued disregard for constitutional provisions could trigger industrial unrest. The protest letter was addressed to the Chairman of the National Assembly Service Commission.
The union’s chairman, Sabiyyi Sunday, expressed deep concern over the recurring practice of favoring states that are already represented in the secretary cadre. He noted that when vacancies arise, these states are often chosen again, while others within the same geopolitical zone are systematically excluded. Sunday insisted that this practice undermines the spirit of equitable representation mandated by law.
In the letter made available to journalists in Abuja on Sunday, the association cited Section 14(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). They also referenced the Federal Character Commission Act, Cap F7, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2024. These laws strictly mandate that public appointments must reflect the diversity of Nigeria’s federating units.
“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,” the letter read in part. PASAN urged the Commission to ensure strict adherence to the law to avoid perpetuating an imbalance in the system. They warned that failure to do so would deepen perceptions of bias.
Sunday also drew a comparison to recent events at the Presidency, commending President Bola Tinubu for upholding due process. He cited the President’s decision to reverse the controversial promotion of his Aide-de-Camp as a benchmark for integrity. The union urged the National Assembly Service Commission to follow this precedent of accountability.
The association emphasized that respecting the Federal Character principle is crucial for maintaining harmony within the National Assembly bureaucracy. They called for immediate action to rectify the anomalies in staffing decisions. PASAN trusts that the commission will act swiftly to prevent potential conflict within the legislative workforce.
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