NATIONAL ASSEMBLY STAFF PROTEST PERSISTENT VIOLATIONS OF FEDERAL CHARACTER

Parliamentary workers at the National Assembly have raised an alarm over persistent violations of the federal character principle in staff appointments. They warn that continued disregard for constitutional provisions could trigger industrial unrest.

The Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria, National Assembly chapter, submitted a formal protest letter to the Chairman of the National Assembly Service Commission. The letter highlights a recurring practice of favouring states already represented in the secretary cadre while excluding other states within the same geopolitical zone. The union cited Section 14 of the 1999 Constitution and the Federal Character Commission Act, which mandate equitable representation across Nigeria’s federating units.

Union chairman Sabiyyi Sunday commended President Bola Tinubu’s recent reversal of the controversial promotion of his Aide-de-Camp, Nuruddeen Yusuf, as an example of adherence to due process. He urged the Commission to ensure fairness in staffing decisions. “Respect for the federal character principle is crucial to avoid perceptions of bias and promote good governance,” Sunday stated.

The association warned that failure to observe the principle in appointments could deepen distrust in the system and undermine the spirit of equity in the National Assembly bureaucracy. PASAN called on the Commission to act swiftly to prevent potential unrest and ensure compliance with the law.

The protest follows public backlash over military promotions perceived to have bypassed established procedures, with critics citing the reversal of Yusuf’s promotion as a benchmark for accountability in sensitive government appointments.

PASAN’s intervention underscores ongoing tensions within Nigeria’s public institutions over equitable staffing and adherence to constitutional principles, highlighting the need for transparency and fairness in appointment processes.