The Concerned Nigerian Youths coalition has issued a call to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to address an alleged breach within the National Assembly Service Commission concerning the selection of the new Clerk of the National Assembly.
In a statement signed by the coalition’s National Secretary, Ambassador Muhammad Sadiq, the group warned that the NASC’s recent departure from its established, merit-based selection process threatens the stability and credibility of Nigeria’s legislative body.
Sadiq explained that the NASC has historically filled the Clerk position by promoting the most senior eligible staff member, ensuring smooth transitions and minimizing internal conflicts.
However, recent reports suggest the NASC is bypassing this process by overlooking the most senior candidate in favor of a different, allegedly less-qualified individual.
The group expressed concern that this decision could foster discord within the National Assembly and weaken democratic values across the country.
They urged President Tinubu to act swiftly to restore the merit-based promotion process and hold accountable those responsible for undermining due process.
“This ongoing injustice threatens to undermine the stability, credibility, and future of our nation’s legislative institution, and it is high time for the presidency to take decisive action to correct this alarming trend,” the statement reads.
The CNY emphasized that for years, the NASC has maintained a tradition of promoting the most senior staff to the Clerk’s office whenever there is a vacancy, fostering a stable and cooperative working environment within the National Assembly while avoiding political disputes.
“Yet, despite this proven model of succession, the NASC has now inexplicably decided to abandon this merit-based standard. Rather than appointing the most senior and deserving staff member, the NASC management has shamefully chosen to disregard his eligibility. This deviation from tradition is a slap in the face to our democratic values and a calculated move that risks plunging the National Assembly into unnecessary discord,” the statement continued.
The coalition argued that such disregard for due process erodes public trust and tarnishes the integrity of the legislative system, stating, “This shameful attempt to impose an undeserving candidate at the helm of the National Assembly jeopardizes the stability and credibility of our legislative institution—a foundational pillar of our democracy.”
The CNY implored President Tinubu to intervene decisively, highlighting that the matter goes beyond one individual’s career to protecting the core values of Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
“We call on you to uphold justice and to remind those in power that their positions are held in trust for the Nigerian people,” they stated.
“This moment requires firm and principled leadership—qualities that Nigerians expect from you as our President and Commander-in-Chief. We urge you to act swiftly to halt this injustice, to demand accountability from the NASC management, and to ensure that the rightfully deserving candidate is appointed Clerk of the National Assembly,” they appealed.
The group concluded with a call to action, asserting that history will judge today’s response. “It is within your power to safeguard the legacy of justice, fairness, and order in our nation’s most significant legislative institution. We are counting on you to fulfill this solemn duty to Nigeria and her people.”