Parliamentary workers at the National Assembly have expressed opposition to what they describe as persistent violations of the federal character principle in the appointment of secretaries, warning that continued disregard for constitutional provisions could lead to industrial unrest. The Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria, National Assembly chapter, made the demand in a formal protest letter addressed to the Chairman of the National Assembly Service Commission and made available to journalists at its headquarters in Abuja on Sunday. “This practice is contrary to the Federal Character principle and undermines the spirit of equitable representation. “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. The decision has since been cited by critics as a benchmark for accountability and adherence to established rules, particularly in sensitive appointments within government institutions, including the National Assembly.

Source: Punch December 28, 2025 17:06 UTC