Senate probes secret recruitments by MDAs

Disturbed by allegations of secret employments executed by Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of the Federal Government, the Senate committee on Federal Character and Inter-Governmental Affairs, has concluded plans to commence probe.

To this end, the committee has summoned the Chairman of Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC), Mrs. Joan Ayo, to brief the upper chamber over the development.

The decision to summon the FCSC boss was reached during an oversight visit to the headquarters of the Federal Character Commission (FCC) in Abuja.

Lamenting the challenges faced by the commission, its Acting Executive Chairman, Shettima Bukar Abba, said government agencies have failed in their responsibilities to comply with the federal character principle.

He disclosed that efforts by the commission to get the FCSC to comply with the Federal Character principle, as well as discourage secret employment in government agencies were frustrated by constant denials by the FCSC boss.

Making further disclosures, Bukar Abba revealed that MDAs skewed projects in the budget based on regional sentiments as against even distribution required by the principle of Federal Character.

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He told Senators that the development, which is fast becoming a standard trend, was severally in the past challenged by the Federal Character commission, but to no avail.

He said: “There is an issue I need to draw your attention to as well. Distribution of projects in the annual budget ought to be in compliance with the federal character principle. So far, you find that this has not been the case as it is skewed to favour of one part at the expense of another.

“As legislators, I think you should watch out for this by ensuring that projects are not skewed to favour a particular section of the country. Also, I must add that in order to realise this, lawmakers should protect us (FCC) against MDAs in ensuring that the principle of federal character is maintained in drafting budget proposals.

“If they (MDAs) bring out their budget, their proposals must be balanced. They put in areas not based on the needs of people, but based on sentiments. These are some of the issues we want your support on, since we believe it is what will keep this country together,” Bukar Abba said.

Responding, Chairman of the Senate committee on Federal character, Senator Tijjani Yahaya Kaura, following concerns raised by the Acting Chairman, said it would summon the FCSC boss over her failure to adhere to the provisions of federal character.

The lawmaker who represents Zamfara North senatorial district, assured the commission of the upper chamber’s support saying, “it is because of our directive for submission of nominal rolls that is why government agencies are now rushing to you (FCC). We want to assure you that the National Assembly will stand by you and give you all the necessary support.”

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