Retired Civil Servants Oppose Bill Restricting Clerk Appointment, Urge Senate to Reject It
Retired Civil Servants Oppose Bill Restricting Clerk Appointment, Urge Senate to Reject It
Retired Civil Servants Urge Senate President to Reject Bill Restricting Clerk Appointment
A coalition of retired civil servants in Nigeria has called on Senate President Godswill Akpabio to reject a proposed bill seeking to limit the appointment of the Clerk to the National Assembly (CNA) to only individuals who have served within the legislative chambers.
In a letter addressed to Akpabio, the coalition, led by Convener Comrade Bango Tsokwa Thomas, Secretary Mr. Anthony Oziani, and Director of Media and Strategy Alhaji Abdulrazak Muhammad, described the bill as “discriminatory, unjust, and a ticking time bomb.”
The group 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 civil servants from attaining the highest position in their career.
Bill Violates Labour Laws and Undermines Morale
According to the coalition, the bill contradicts Nigerian labour laws, diminishes morale among civil servants, and erodes 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.
They argued that excluding NASC staff from becoming CNA would be an “insult” to their commitment and years of service, effectively blocking their legitimate career aspirations through legislative means.
The coalition further accused lawmakers of attempting to create an exclusive class within the National Assembly, where political loyalty would take precedence over competence and experience.
A Threat to Institutional Integrity
The group expressed concerns that if passed, the bill would transform 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 NASC—individuals who have dedicated their careers to building institutional capacity,” the statement added.
The coalition warned that the bill could trigger an unprecedented crisis within the National Assembly Service Commission, potentially leading to mass protests, disillusionment among staff, and a toxic work environment.
“The National Assembly should serve as a model for good governance. If this bill is passed, it will reinforce the belief that laws are made to serve a privileged few,” they said.
Calls for Merit-Based Promotions
The group listed ten reasons why the bill is unjust, arguing that it contradicts the NASC Act, negates meritocracy, and sets a dangerous precedent that could encourage other government agencies to adopt similar exclusionary policies.
They insisted that public service roles must remain open to all qualified candidates and that restricting NASC staff from attaining the CNA position is an unreasonable limitation on their career progression.
“No credible legislature deliberately sidelines experienced public officers in its service commission,” they stated.
They also cautioned that if the bill passes, other government institutions may adopt similar exclusionary policies, ultimately fragmenting Nigeria’s civil service into unjustly divided classes.
Urgent Appeal to Senate President Akpabio
The coalition urged the Senate to step down the bill immediately and instead focus on strengthening institutional capacity through merit-based promotions.
They called on Senate President Akpabio to uphold fairness and transparency in the legislative process and ensure that the National Assembly remains an institution guided by justice, merit, and competence.
