The Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), National Assembly Chapter, has issued a formal demand to the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC), calling for the immediate correction of what it describes as systematic breaches of the federal character principle in recent directorate-level appointments.
In a strongly-worded statement released in Abuja, the Chairman of PASAN’s National Assembly Chapter, Mr. Sabiyyi Sunday, expressed profound concern over a “skewed selection process” that he claims favors certain states and geopolitical zones to the exclusion of others. This allegation strikes at the heart of Nigeria’s constitutional framework designed to promote national unity and equitable representation.
Sunday anchored PASAN’s position firmly in legal doctrine, specifically invoking Section 14(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which mandates that the composition of government agencies and their appointments shall reflect the federal character of Nigeria. He further cited the Federal Character Commission (FCC) Act, Cap F7, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2024, which provides the statutory mechanism for enforcing this principle. The FCC’s mandate is to ensure proportional sharing of bureaucratic, economic, media, and political posts among the diverse peoples of Nigeria.
The PASAN chairman highlighted a specific pattern of violation: states already represented in the senior “secretary cadre” are allegedly being selected again to fill new vacancies, while “other states within the same geopolitical zones are consistently overlooked.” This practice, he argued, not only violates the letter of the law but also its spirit, fostering a damaging perception of bias and a deep sense of exclusion among the workforce. Such sentiments, if unaddressed, can erode institutional morale and productivity.
In a strategic move to bolster his argument, Sunday drew a parallel to President Bola Tinubu’s recent reversal of his Aide-de-Camp’s (ADC) elevation to the rank of Brigadier-General. He commended this action as a “demonstration of leadership anchored on fairness and integrity,” which underscores the supremacy of due process and affirms that no public official is above the law. Sunday urged the NASC to “follow this exemplary precedent,” framing compliance with federal character not as a discretionary act but as a non-negotiable constitutional duty.
The statement carried a clear warning: continued disregard for these constitutional provisions “could trigger industrial unrest within the National Assembly workforce” and “heighten industrial tension.” For a legislative body that requires stability to function, the threat of action from its own administrative staff represents a significant operational risk.
This call from PASAN illuminates a recurring tension in Nigerian public administration—the challenge of balancing merit with mandated geographic representation. Critics of strict federal character enforcement sometimes argue it can compromise efficiency, while proponents view it as an essential tool for national cohesion, preventing the dominance of any single group. The NASC now faces the practical test of navigating this complex landscape in its appointments.
Sunday concluded with a call for “immediate corrective action to restore confidence in the appointment process,” trusting the commission would “act promptly.” The ball is now in the NASC’s court to either justify its appointment selections under the federal character framework or revise them to avoid a potential crisis with its parliamentary staff union. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
IMO/KTO
========
Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo
About Author
