Coalition alleges irregularities in filling Permanent Secretary Vacancies

By Ochiaka Ugwu

An interest group, Coalition of Concerned Nigerians (CCN) has protested what they described as complex process of appointing Permanent Secretaries for Nasarawa, Lagos, Katsina, Ekiti and Enugu States in the Federal Civil Service.
Addressing a press conference in Abuja Wednesday, the Convener of the group, Comrade (Engr.) Japhet A. C. Ogbueri who moved that ICT proficiency test, written examination on Public Service issues should not be criteria for appointing Permanent Secretary faulted payment of mandatory N250, 000 selection coaching program.
He said the coalition is aware of provisions of Federal Character Commission (Establishment) Act Cap F7 LFRN,2004 of which part 1, Section 2 provides that the best and most competent persons shall be recruited from each state of the federation to fill positions reserved for indigenes of the state.
Ogbueri noted that it is a common knowledge that basic minimum requirement for being appointed as Permanent Secretary is attaining the position of Director (GL-17).
Predicated on this, Ogbueri commended Head Service of the Federation and the Chairman of Federal Civil Service Commission for smooth and credible selection process that saw the emergence of 47 eligible Directors from the five States jostling for the five Permanent Secretary Slots.
Ogbueri who argued that for one to attain the position of a Director in Federal Civil Service, such a person must have written and passed minimum of ten (10) promotion examinations, with about 20 or more years on the job experience, wondered why the person needs a test to be appointed Permanent Secretary.
He therefore, moved that proposed written promotion examination slated for next week be expunged from the selection process and Oral Interview/Interactive session with broad-based experts be the basis of Final selection of eligible Prospective Permanent Secretaries.
He also demanded that ICT Proficiency Test should be put aside given the fact that Permanent Secretaries have routine officers who are duty bound to handle ICT related Jobs.