By Ikenna Osuoha
Mr Sabiyyi Sunday, Chairman, Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), National Assembly Chapter, has urged the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC) to correct alleged breaches of federal character in directorate appointments.
Sunday made the call in a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday, expressing concern over what PASAN described as skewed selections in the ongoing appointment process.
He urged the commission to draw inspiration from President Bola Tinubu’s recent reversal of his aide-de-camp’s elevation to Brigadier General.
According to him, the decision underscores the supremacy of due process and affirms that no public official is above the law.
Sunday said PASAN’s position was grounded in constitutional and statutory provisions guaranteeing fairness in public service recruitment.
“We humbly draw attention to Section 14(3) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended,” he said.
He added that it was “further detailed in the Federal Character Commission Act, Cap F7, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2024.”
Sunday explained that respecting the principle was essential to fairness and avoiding perceptions of bias in appointments.
He reiterated calls for strict compliance, warning that failure could trigger industrial unrest within the National Assembly workforce.
The PASAN chairman expressed concern over states already represented in the secretary cadre being selected again to fill vacancies.
He noted that “other states within the same geopolitical zones are consistently overlooked”.
According to him, such practices violate the spirit of federal character and fuel a sense of exclusion among staff.
Sunday commended Tinubu’s ADC reversal as a demonstration of leadership anchored on fairness and integrity.
He urged NASC to “follow this exemplary precedent and ensure decisions reflect equity and justice”.
Sunday warned that continued disregard for constitutional provisions could heighten industrial tension.
He called on the commission to take immediate corrective action and restore confidence in the appointment process.
“We trust that you will act promptly and appreciate your attention to this matter,” he said. (NAN)
Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo
