Lopsided Appointment Hits National Assembly Service Commission

The National Service Commission (NASC) has been criticized for endorsing divisive appointments, amid allegations of a lack of experience and favoritism, as marginalization rocks the appointment process.

A letter signed by two commissioners from the South West Zone of the National Assembly Service Commission [NASC] has brought to light concerns over the lack of transparency and fairness in the appointment process for Clerks and Secretaries in the National Assembly.

The commissioners, Hon. Afeez Ipesa Balogun and Hon. Olukemi Oluga is calling for a transparent review of the appointment process, citing the need for merit-based appointments and equitable zonal rotation.

The commissioners expressed their displeasure over the alleged marginalisation of the South West Zone in the appointment process.

They emphasised that the National Assembly Service Commission is a national institution that requires fairness, transparency, and regional inclusiveness to maintain its credibility.

The commissioners requested that the commission publish a brief report outlining the criteria, shortlisting process, and final decision-making steps used in the appointment of clerks and secretaries.

Sources close to the commission have hinted at a major crack among the commissioners, with allegations that the commission chairman and establishment committee chairman are running the commission like a personal fiefdom.

The duo is accused of making decisions without consulting other commissioners and pandering to favouritism in appointments.

A source questioned the criteria for appointing the commission chairman and some sensitive committees, citing a lack of experience and versatility in civil service matters.

The alleged favouritism in the appointment process has significant implications for the National Assembly Service Commission.

THE CONCLAVE reports that if allowed to stand, it could undermine the credibility of the commission and perpetuate a culture of favouritism and marginalisation.

The commissioners’ call for transparency and merit-based appointments is a call for fairness and equity in the appointment process.

The National Assembly Service Commission must take immediate action to address the concerns raised by the commissioners.

A transparent review of the appointment process is essential to restore credibility and trust in the commission.

The commission must also ensure that its appointment process is merit-based, taking into account seniority, competence, and geopolitical spread.