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Workers in the National Assembly, under the umbrella of Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria, PASAN, National Assembly Chapter, have demanded strict compliance with the federal character principle in appointments into the directorate cadre in the institution.
PASAN made the demand in a letter addressed to the Chairman of the National Assembly Service Commission, NASC, dated 22nd December 2025.
In the letter signed by their chairman, Sabiyyi Sunday, the workers urged the National Assembly Service Commission to draw inspiration from President Bola Tinubu’s recent reversal of the controversial elevation of his Aide-De-Camp to Brigadier General. PASAN noted that President’s decision underscores the supremacy of due process and the principle that no public official is above the law.
The workers demanded that the Commission immediately correct what they described as breaches of the federal character principle in ongoing appointments into the directorate cadre of the parliamentary service.
“We humbly draw attention to the provisions of Section 14(3) of the 1999 constitution as amended, further detailed in the Federal Character Commission Act, Cap F7, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2024, which mandates equitable representation across Nigeria’s federating units in public appointments.
“Respecting this principle in appointments is crucial to maintaining fairness and avoiding perceptions of bias. We urge the Commission to ensure compliance to prevent potential industrial unrest,” the letter stated.
The workers, in the same vein, expressed concern over what they described as a pattern of skewed appointments in which states already represented in the secretary cadre have been selected again to fill vacancies, while other states within the same geopolitical zones are consistently overlooked.
The workers warned that the development not only violates the federal character principle but also fuels a sense of exclusion within the workforce.
Describing the reversal of the elevation of Tinubu’s ADC as a “decisive demonstration of leadership anchored on fairness and integrity”, the National Assembly workers noted that the President’s action signals a clear expectation that institutions must uphold the law without fear or favour.
They therefore urged the NASC to “follow this exemplary precedent and ensure that its decisions reflect balance, justice and the highest standards of good governance”.
PASAN warned that continued disregard for constitutional provisions could trigger industrial tension, and called on the Commission to take immediate corrective action to restore confidence in the appointment process.
“We trust that you will take immediate action, and appreciate your attention to this matter,” the workers added.
The National Assembly Service Commission, which supervises the workforce of the National Assembly, is yet to respond to the letter.
NASS workers demand strict federal character compliance in appointments
