A coalition of retired civil servants in Nigeria has called on Senate President Godswill Akpabio to reject a proposed bill limiting the appointment of the Clerk to the National Assembly (CNA) to only individuals who have served within the legislative chambers.
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In a letter signed by the group‘s convener, Comrade Bango Tsokwa Thomas; secretary, Mr Anthony Oziani; and Alhaji Abdulrazak Muhammad, director of Media and Strategy, they described the bill as “discriminatory, unjust, and a ticking time bomb.”
In the letter addressed to Akpabio, the Coalition warned that the proposed legislation would set “a chaotic and destructive precedent” within the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC) by barring highly qualified and competent staff from advancing to the highest position in their service.
They argued that such a move would violate labour laws, diminish morale among civil servants, and erode public trust in the fairness of the legislative process.
“This bill is an open violation of Nigerian labour laws, international best practices, and the fundamental principles of justice,” the statement read.
“It is an insult to the commitment and service of these individuals who were engaged under clear employment terms, only to be told that their legitimate career aspirations would now be permanently blocked through legislative fiat.”
The coalition accused lawmakers of attempting to create an exclusive class within the National Assembly, where political loyalty would take precedence over competence and experience. They expressed fears that, if passed, the bill would turn the NASC into a structure where “loyalty to lawmakers, rather than competence, determines promotion.”
“This is a deliberate ploy to sideline highly qualified and competent officers within the National Assembly Service Commission—individuals who have dedicated their years to building institutional capacity,” the statement added.
The group further warned that the bill could “trigger an unprecedented crisis within the National Assembly Service Commission, leading to mass outcry, protest, and disillusionment among staff members.
“The National Assembly should be seen as a model for best governance practices. If this bill is passed, it will reinforce the belief that laws are made to serve a few privileged individuals,” the coalition said.
“When workers realise that their chances of career growth have been sealed off unfairly, it breeds dissatisfaction, apathy, and a toxic work environment.”
“Public service roles must be open to all qualified candidates. Excluding NASC staff from becoming CAN is an unreasonable restriction on their rights as civil servants.”
They listed ten reasons why the bill is unjust, arguing that it contradicts the NASC Act, negates the principle of meritocracy, and sets a dangerous precedent that could encourage other government agencies to adopt exclusionary policies. They also stated that the bill erodes public confidence in the National Assembly as a fair and just institution.
“No credible legislature operates in a manner that deliberately sidelines experienced public officers in their service commission,” the coalition noted.
“If this bill is allowed to pass, other government agencies and institutions may begin adopting similarly exclusionary policies, which would ultimately fragment Nigeria’s civil service into unjustly divided classes.”
The group urged the Senate to step down the bill immediately and instead focus on strengthening institutional capacity through merit-based promotions.
They insisted that any attempt to block career progression for NASC staff would damage the commission and the National Assembly.
They called on Akpabio to use his position to ensure fairness and transparency remain the National Assembly‘s guiding principles.
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