- According to the union, such practices contradict the spirit and letter of the federal character principle
- the union cited a recent decision at the Presidency as an example of adherence to due process
- PASAN further appealed to the commission to act promptly on the matter, noting that continued non-compliance could lead to unrest
Workers at the National Assembly have raised concerns over what they describe as continued breaches of the federal character principle in the appointment of secretaries, warning that persistent disregard for constitutional provisions could trigger industrial action.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), National Assembly chapter, conveyed its position in a formal protest letter addressed to the Chairman of the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC), a copy of which was made available to journalists in Abuja on Sunday.
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The letter, dated December 22 and signed by the union’s chairman, Sabiyyi Sunday, referenced Section 14(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) as well as the Federal Character Commission Act, Cap F7, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2024, which both mandate fair and equitable representation in public service appointments.
PASAN expressed dissatisfaction with what it described as a recurring trend where states already represented within the secretary cadre continue to benefit from fresh appointments, while other states in the same geopolitical zone are allegedly sidelined.
According to the union, such practices contradict the spirit and letter of the federal character principle and further entrench imbalance within the National Assembly bureaucracy.
The association urged the commission to correct the trend, insisting that all federating units must be given equal consideration whenever vacancies arise.
In the letter, the union cited a recent decision at the Presidency as an example of adherence to due process, commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for reversing the controversial promotion of his Aide-de-Camp.
PASAN described the president’s action as a demonstration of fairness, accountability, and respect for established procedures, urging the National Assembly Service Commission to draw lessons from the move.
The association warned that failure to comply with constitutional requirements in staffing decisions could heighten perceptions of bias and undermine confidence in the system.
It stressed that strict observance of the federal character principle remains critical to maintaining harmony, fairness, and institutional stability within the National Assembly.
PASAN further appealed to the commission to act promptly on the matter, noting that continued non-compliance could lead to unrest among parliamentary workers.
The union expressed hope that the commission would take immediate steps to address the concerns raised and uphold the principles of equity and good governance in future appointments.
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