N’Assembly Workers Warn Commission Against Breach of Federal Character

James Adamu

The Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), National Assembly chapter, has issued a stern warning to the National Assembly Service Commission over persistent violations of the federal character principle in appointments, cautioning that continued disregard for constitutional provisions could trigger industrial unrest.

In a formal protest letter addressed to the Commission’s Chairman and made available to journalists in Abuja on Sunday, the union decried a recurring pattern where states already represented in the secretary cadre are repeatedly favoured to fill new vacancies, to the exclusion of other states within the same geopolitical zone.

The letter, signed by the union chairman, Sabiyyi Sunday, and dated December 22, explicitly cited Section 14(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Federal Character Commission Act, which mandate equitable representation of Nigeria’s federating units in public appointments.

“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,” Sunday stated. “This practice is contrary to the Federal Character principle and undermines the spirit of equitable representation.”

The union chairman pointed to recent events at the Presidency as a benchmark for due process, commending President Bola Tinubu for reversing the controversial promotion of his Aide-de-Camp, Nuruddeen Yusuf, to the rank of brigadier-general. That decision followed public backlash and criticism within the Nigerian Army over due process.

“We commend the President’s decision… showcasing his commitment to fairness and integrity. This exemplary leadership demonstrates that no one is above the rules,” Sunday said, urging the Commission to follow this precedent to ensure fairness and uphold good governance.

In the letter, PASAN warned that failure to observe the federal character principle in National Assembly staffing decisions would deepen perceptions of bias and systematically undermine fairness.

“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 read in part.

The association stated its expectation for the Commission to act swiftly on the matter, stressing that adherence to the law was critical for maintaining harmony within the National Assembly bureaucracy. “We trust that you will take immediate action, and appreciate your attention to this matter,” the union concluded.

The protest comes amid heightened scrutiny over adherence to constitutional mandates in public appointments across federal institutions.