In a recent development, workers under the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria, PASAN, National Assembly Chapter, have called for adherence to the federal character principle in appointments to the directorate cadre within the National Assembly. This demand was made in a letter dated December 22, 2025, addressed to the Chairman of the National Assembly Service Commission, NASC. The letter, signed by PASAN Chairman Sabiyyi Sunday, references President Bola Tinubu’s decision to reverse the elevation of his Aide-De-Camp to Brigadier General, citing the importance of due process and the rule of law.

PASAN’s demand is rooted in the provisions of Section 14(3) of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution, as amended, and the Federal Character Commission Act, which mandates equitable representation across the country’s federating units in public appointments. The workers argue that respecting this principle is crucial for maintaining fairness and avoiding perceptions of bias. They urge the NASC to ensure compliance to prevent potential industrial unrest.

The association has expressed concern over a pattern of skewed appointments, where states already represented in the secretary cadre have been selected again to fill vacancies, while other states within the same geopolitical zones are consistently overlooked. This, according to PASAN, not only violates the federal character principle but also fuels a sense of exclusion among the workforce.

Referencing President Tinubu’s decision as a demonstration of leadership anchored on fairness and integrity, the workers call on the NASC to follow this precedent and ensure that its decisions reflect balance, justice, and good governance. PASAN warns that continued disregard for constitutional provisions could trigger industrial tension and has called on the Commission to take immediate corrective action to restore confidence in the appointment process.

The National Assembly Service Commission, which oversees the National Assembly workforce, has yet to respond to the letter. The federal character principle is a key aspect of Nigeria’s constitutional framework, aimed at promoting national unity and fairness in public appointments. As the NASC considers PASAN’s demands, the outcome is likely to have significant implications for the National Assembly’s workforce and the broader application of the federal character principle in Nigeria’s public institutions. The situation underscores the need for adherence to constitutional provisions and the importance of fair representation in public appointments.