Civil Servants recruited by the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC) during the last administration of President Goodluck Jonathan risk being sacked as the recruitment exercise has been queried.
The Acting Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Dr. Shettima Abba, had queried the Chairman of the FCSC, Mrs. Joan Ayo in May 2016.
In a letter dated May 3, 2016, the FCC alleged violation of the principle of federal character in the employment of the civil servants in a letter dated May 3, 2016.
Abba alleged that the recruitment was tilted in favour of the South-South geopolitical zone against other parts of the country.
Abba stated, “The Federal Character Commission has viewed and observed with concern the recruitment exercises undertaken by the Federal Civil Service between 2013 and 2015, which glaringly is lopsided and grossly abused the principle of Federal Character to which all institution have subscribed.
“The recruitment which recorded the engagement of about 4,904 workers, threw away all common sense and wisdom of national cohesion and integration by favouring some states to the detriment of others.
“We are worried that if this trend is allowed to continue, then some sections of the country may not only feel alienated but may feel insecure by the action of people in authority.
“It is inconceivable and a gross injustice for a geopolitical zone to be allocated 33.6 per cent of the total candidates recruited as against 26.2 per cent for three zones combined, North-East, North-West and North-Central.
“We further request without prejudice that all processes must involve the Federal Character Commission for advice and strict adherence to the principle of federal character as contained in our circular on guidelines and procedure for recruitment.”
The spokesperson for the FCSC, Dr. Abel Oruche, has further disclosed that only those employed irregularly would be removed.
He stated, “The chairman maintained that this action is necessary because the appointments are not backed by any vacancy from the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation and as such, were not budgeted for.
“Besides, they are in gross violation of the Federal Character principle.”