N’Assembly Workers Kick as Federal Character Rule Is Ignored in Appointments

N’Assembly Workers Kick as Federal Character Rule Is Ignored in Appointments

Workers at the National Assembly have protested what they described as continuous violation of the federal character principle in the appointment of secretaries.

The Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria, PASAN, National Assembly chapter, raised the concern in a protest letter sent to the Chairman of the National Assembly Service Commission. The letter was made available to journalists in Abuja.

The union, led by its chairman Sabiyyi Sunday, said appointments into the secretary cadre often favour states that are already represented, while other states within the same geopolitical zone are ignored.

PASAN referred to Section 14(3) of the 1999 Constitution and the Federal Character Commission Act, which require fair and balanced representation of all states in public appointments.

According to the union, this repeated practice goes against the spirit of fairness and equity and could create tension among workers if not corrected.

The association praised President Bola Tinubu for reversing the promotion of his Aide De Camp after public criticism, describing the move as a good example of fairness and respect for due process.

PASAN urged the National Assembly Service Commission to follow the same example and ensure strict compliance with the federal character principle to avoid industrial unrest.

The union said it expects quick action, stressing that fairness in appointments is key to peace and harmony within the National Assembly workforce.