Removed public officials urge the Senate to block the discriminatory law project – News – The Guardian Nigeria News – Nigeria and World News

A coalition of retired officials has asked the president of Senate Godswill Akpabio to intervene and reject a controversial bill that seeks to restrict the appointment of the Secretary of the National Assembly (CNA) only to those who have served within the legislative chambers. The coalition of patriots (retired civil officials) warned that the proposed legislation is “discriminatory, unfair and a time bomb” that could have long -range consequences for the National Services Commission of the Assembly (NASC).

In a strongly written letter addressed to AKPABIO, the coalition argued that the project of law would establish a chaotic and destructive precedent by prohibiting highly qualified and competent personnel progress within the organization. They argued that such a measure would not only violate Nigerian labor laws and international best practices, but also reduce morality among public officials and erode public confidence in the legislative process.

“This bill is an open violation of Nigerian labor laws, the best international practices and the fundamental principles of justice,” reads the statement. “It is an insult to the commitment and service of those employees in clear terms of commitment, who are now told that their legitimate professional aspirations will be permanently blocked by the legislative Fiat.”

Critics have accused legislators to try to create an exclusive class within the National Assembly, where political loyalty is prioritized over competition and experience. The coalition fears that, if approved, the bill will transform NASC into an environment where the promotions are dictated by loyalty to legislators instead of merit, which potentially triggers the widespread disappointment and protest between the personnel.

The group described ten reasons why the bill is unfair, arguing that it contradicts NASC law, denies the principle of meritocracy and establishes a dangerous precedent that could encourage other government agencies to adopt similar exclusion policies. They emphasized that public service roles must remain open to all qualified candidates and to exclude NASC staff ascending to the employee post is an unreasonable infraction in their rights.

The retired officials have urged the Senate to immediately withdraw the bill and, on the other hand, focus on improving institutional capacity through promotions based on merit. They asked the president of the Senate, Akpabio, to defend the principles of equity and transparency in the National Assembly, insisting that any attempt to block professional progress for NASC personnel would have harmful repercussions for the commission and the legislature as a whole.