Workers at the National Assembly have protested what they describe as repeated breaches of the federal character principle in the appointment of secretaries, warning that continued disregard for constitutional requirements could trigger industrial action.
The Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), National Assembly chapter, raised the concern in a protest letter addressed to the Chairman of the National Assembly Service Commission. The letter was made available to journalists in Abuja on Sunday.
Signed by the union’s chairman, Sabiyyi Sunday, and dated December 22, the letter cited Section 14(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Federal Character Commission Act, which require fair and equitable representation of Nigeria’s states in public service appointments.
PASAN expressed dissatisfaction with what it described as a recurring trend in which states already represented at the secretary level are repeatedly selected when vacancies occur, while other states within the same geopolitical zone are sidelined.
The union warned that failure to address the issue could heighten discontent among parliamentary staff and disrupt industrial harmony at the National Assembly.
