The Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), National Assembly Chapter, has issued a significant call to the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC), urging it to address and correct alleged breaches of the Federal Character principle in its recent directorate-level appointments. This appeal strikes at the heart of a long-standing national debate on equity, inclusion, and the management of Nigeria’s diverse socio-political landscape.
In a statement released in Abuja, the Chairman of PASAN’s National Assembly Chapter, Mr. Sabiyyi Sunday, expressed profound concern over what the union describes as “skewed selections” in the ongoing appointment process. The union’s position is not merely an administrative grievance but a constitutional appeal, grounded in the foundational laws designed to hold the Nigerian federation together.
The Constitutional and Legal Mandate
Sunday explicitly anchored PASAN’s demand in Section 14(3) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended), which mandates that “The composition of the Government of the Federation or any of its agencies and the conduct of its affairs shall be carried out in such a manner as to reflect the federal character of Nigeria and the need to promote national unity, and also to command national loyalty.”
He further cited the Federal Character Commission (Establishment, etc.) Act, Cap F7, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 (updated to 2024), which operationalizes this constitutional provision. This law establishes the Federal Character Commission (FCC) with the power to monitor and enforce compliance across all tiers of government. The principle aims to prevent the dominance of public service appointments by individuals from a few states or ethnic groups, thereby fostering a sense of belonging and fairness across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The Specific Allegations and Their Implications
PASAN’s statement goes beyond generalities, pinpointing a specific malpractice: the alleged re-selection of candidates from states already represented in the secretary cadre to fill new vacancies, while other states within the same geopolitical zones are “consistently overlooked.”
This practice, Sunday argues, violates both the letter and spirit of the federal character principle. It creates a cycle of exclusion, where a handful of states monopolize opportunities, breeding resentment and a deep sense of marginalization among staff from other regions. This perceived bias can erode morale, undermine teamwork, and ultimately damage institutional efficiency and loyalty within a critical arm of government—the National Assembly.
Pointing to a Presidential Precedent
In a strategic move, PASAN drew a direct parallel to a recent national event. The union commended President Bola Tinubu for his decision to reverse the elevation of his own Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to the rank of Brigadier General, following questions over due process. Sunday characterized this act as “a demonstration of leadership anchored on fairness and integrity” that “underscores the supremacy of due process and affirms that no public official is above the law.”
By invoking this precedent, PASAN is making a powerful rhetorical and ethical argument. It challenges the NASC to demonstrate similar courage and commitment to rule-based governance by reviewing its own processes, even if it means reversing decisions that may have already been made.
The Stakes: Industrial Harmony and National Unity
The statement concludes with a clear warning: continued disregard for these constitutional provisions “could trigger industrial unrest” and “heighten industrial tension” within the National Assembly workforce. For an institution that requires stability to perform its core democratic functions, such unrest would be deeply disruptive.
However, the implications extend far beyond the legislative complex. The National Assembly Service Commission, as a key federal agency, is expected to model exemplary adherence to national principles. When such bodies are perceived as flouting the federal character principle, it undermines public trust in the entire system and fuels narratives of systemic bias that threaten national cohesion.
PASAN’s call, therefore, is both a demand for internal corrective action and a plea for the NASC to uphold its role as a guardian of one of Nigeria’s most critical unifying policies. The union’s final appeal—”We trust that you will act promptly”—places the ball firmly in the Commission’s court, making its response a test of its commitment to equity, justice, and the constitutional order that binds the nation together.
Source: NAN News. Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo.
