The House of Representatives, yesterday, mandated its Committee on Federal Character to investigate ongoing recruitment exercise by the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC).
The House took the decision in a resolution titled, “urgent need to investigate the unwholesome practices involving the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC) with respect to the ongoing recruitment exercise announced by the commission.” It urged the commission to, without further delay, declare publicly, the number of vacancies available and distribute same according to states in accordance with the federal character principle.
The House mandated the committee to investigate allegations of unwholesome practices and the alleged breach of the Federal Character principle as dictated in Sections 14 (3) and (4) of the constitution.
It also mandated the commission to ensure a 24-hour accessibility of the recruitment portal for intending applicants and extend the deadline for the submission of applications.
The motion was co-sponsored by Dr. Henry Okon Archibong, who represents Itu/Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency of Akwa Ibom State; Solomon Bulus Maren, representing Mangu/Bokkos Federal Constituency of Plateau State and Mustapha Dawaki, who represents Dawakin-Kudu/Warawa Federal Constituency.
Leading the debate on the motion, Archibong accused the commission of frustrating the efforts of poor applicants.
According to him, thousands of applicants from different parts of the country have tried but have not been successful in applying on the website provided by the commission.
He said the applicants have complained of the website only functioning between 2a.m and 2.15 a.m. He said, “This is a ploy by the commission to come up with names of friends and the children of the high and mighty in society as the only ones that applied for employment, thereby depriving the children of the poor and the Federal Government of willing and qualified hands to move the country forward.”
The motion, which was unanimously passed when put to a voice vote by the Speaker, Yakubu Dogara, who presided over the plenary, was transmitted to the Committee on Federal Character which is to report back to the House in one week.
Source: Vanguard