The House of Representatives Committee on Federal Character has summoned the Chairman, Federal Civil Service Commission, FCSC, Prof. Tunji Olaopa, over alleged lopsided appointment of federal civil servants by the commission.
Chairman of the committee, Rep. Idris Wase (APC-Plateau), in a statement on Thursday, said a summon was issued on Olaopa who had failed to honour earlier invitations to the displeasure of the panel.
Wase warned the FCSC chairman to appear in person unfailingly on July 30 or risk the wrath of the constitutional powers of the committee.
“The committee is not happy that the FCSC chairman had repeatedly ignored the panel’s invitations.
“Failure on the part of the commission to honour the last invitation by the committee would be meted with grave consequences,” he said.
According to the lawmaker, Section 14(3) and (4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) provides for federal character principles in the recruitment of Federal Government workers.
Meanwhile, the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions, Rep. Kwamoti La’ori (PDP-Adamawa) has pledged speedy consideration of petitions before the committee.
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La’ori said this would help build the confidence of the Nigerian citizens on the legislature as well as ensure justice for the petitioners.
Speaking with newsmen in Abuja on Thursday, the lawmaker disclosed that since assuming chairmanship of the committee on May 13, the committee had concluded hearing on 10 petitions and have laid the report for adoption and implementation.
According to him, this is a complete departure from formal situation where since after the inauguration of the committee in June 2023, only 15 reports were laid out with five were considered in May 2024.
He said that speedy consideration of petitions under his leadership was in line with the committee’s renewed vigour to ensure that all petitions were managed fairly, transparently, and without unnecessary delays.
“Our goal is to restore and sustain public confidence in the petition process as a reliable tool for justice and accountability. The legislature must always remain a beacon of hope and a channel through which the people are heard.
” The reports laid include a petition by Ajets Surveys on behalf of five thousand Internally Displaced Persons against the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited concerning land acquisition, demolition, unlawful eviction, and compensation claims.
” Others are a petition by R. Opara & Co. Legal Practitioners against Precise Concept Investment and Engineering Company Limited and Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria on failure to deliver a house at PTAD Cooperative Estate, Apo, Abuja.
” There is also a petition by Tepng/Aks Main Community on behalf of the paramount rulers, youths, and women of Ikot Abasi, Ibeno, and Mbo Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom against Total Energies Nigeria Limited and Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission for non-inclusion in Host Community Development Trust as provided for in the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021,” he said.
The chairman pledged to ensure that the committee’s operations reflected the values, ideals, and legislative agenda of the 10th House under the leadership of Speaker Abbas Tajudeen.
La’ori called for continued understanding and cooperation from the public, adding that it was the vital role of the legislature to give citizens a meaningful voice. (NAN)
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