Concerned NASS Professionals Applaud Akpabio for Cancelling Controversial Appointments

The Concerned Professionals in the National Assembly (NASS) have lauded the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, over his decision to completely cancel the recent appointments made by the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC).

The group aligned with the Senate President’s stance, maintaining that the appointments failed to follow due process, particularly in the areas of competence, seniority and adherence to existing laws governing such exercises.
Senator Akpabio was reported to have directed the Commission to ensure that all future appointments strictly comply with the principles of competence, seniority and federal character.
In a statement signed by the group’s leader, Simon Okechukwu, the professionals noted that the cancellation was intended to promote transparency and fairness in the Commission’s appointment process.
They further called on the Patrick Giwa-led Committee on Establishment, set up by the Senate President, to conduct a comprehensive review of documents and personnel files of prospective appointees before making any recommendations.
According to the group, the Establishment Committee plays a crucial role in ensuring that appointments and promotions within the management of the National Assembly are guided by seniority, competence and a balanced application of the federal character principle.
The group also encouraged the committee to receive and carefully consider petitions from individuals and groups, stressing that such submissions would aid the committee in effectively discharging its responsibilities.
The Concerned Professionals alleged that some individuals without the requisite competence often resort to financial inducements to secure appointments, a practice they claimed was evident prior to the cancellation.
They expressed strong confidence in Mr. Patrick Giwa, a former Clerk of the House of Representatives and a current Commissioner in the National Assembly Service Commission, citing his wealth of experience and integrity.
The group specifically raised concerns over promotions within the engineering department of the National Assembly, alleging that some senior officers who were required to pass through two promotion levels were bypassed—an issue they insisted should not be ignored.
It would be recalled that the National Assembly Service Commission recently made seven appointments—three in the House of Representatives and four at the management level—all of which were cancelled by the Senate President on the grounds that due process, federal character and competence were not duly observed.