Senate Alerts On Employment Scam

Senate has raised alarm over the growing spate of corrupt practices being recorded in the civil service employment exercise and the public loss of confidence in the integrity of the Service employment process.

The Chairman, Senate Committee on Federal Character, Senator Awesu Kuta, raised the issue at a stakeholders’ meeting with the federal character commission, Federal Civil Service Commission, heads of parastatals and big employers with a view to addressing the deficiency.

His words, “We are worried to have found in the dailies so many things that happen during recruitment exercise of various MDAs, and we feel we should come together to discuss this matter. In many cases, some of the actions of MDAs are scandalous and this is a manifestation of the corruption that has eaten deep into the fabrics of Nigerian society.

“What is more worrisome is the fact that Federal Government jobs are meant for highest bidders. I think we must address this issue squarely. Frustration has angered citizens of the country and has removed in them, patriotism and productivity as well as anti-corruption war. Many people are no longer ready to put in their best because heads of departments give undue advantage to people of their immediate environment.”

The Chairman, Federal Character Commission, Prof. Abdurahim Oba in his speech disclosed the commission’s readiness to challenge in court, agencies who fail to comply with the provisions of the Federal Character Commission Act.

Prof Oba, who expressed the need for all parastatals to work with the commission for equitable distribution of opportunities, also noted that the injustice suffered by some zones would only be settled by ensuring that present and future employment exercises effect a balancing strategy.

Professor Oba in his speech at the meeting, had accused some MDAs of perpetually violating the federal character rules in the distribution of employment

He also pointed out that often times, what the MDAs submit to the commission turn out very different to what makes their final list, and this, he noted is a breach of the Constitution.

Senator Uche Chukwumerije; a member of the Senate committee regretted that almost all parastatals are involved in the act of bribery for employment.

Chukwumerije noted that corruption in employment is the worst level of corruption as this only ushers in ‘thiefs’, ‘more corrupt officers’ and often time ‘wrong and unqualified candidates ‘ into offices of trust.

Senator Chukwumerije suggested effective oversight exercise that will put chief executives on their toes.

His words, “The second step is to introduce very effective, comprehensive monitoring and oversight exercise that will keep everybody involved in the exercise on his or her toes. I think the committee will think about the wisdom of introducing an amendment to the law on corruption.

“Corruption in recruitment exercise should be treated and eliminated totally because it is something that has direct social consequences for the future of this country.

“Bribe taking itself is bad enough but taking bribe from a penurious unemployed candidate representative of the future leadership of this country is unpardonable.

“By taking that bribe, you have recruited one more thief into the system, you have also alienated outside, somebody better qualified and you have pushed that person into the growing cesspool of angry young people, who are materials for revolution any moment any day in this country

Responding to questions, the chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission , Mrs Joan Ayo insisted that the civil service commission under her had complied with the provisions of federal Character Act,; considering both gender and disability conditions.

She also insisted that the commission had made all considerations based on 80 per cent merit and 20 per cent discretionary.

Nneka Amaechi-Nnadi, Abuja