Ex-perm secs seek review of federal character principle, others

Retired permanent secretaries have expressed displeasure over observed deteriorating competence in the Federal Civil Service, where recruitment and promotions, according to them, are now based on political, ethnic and religious affiliations.

They spoke under the aegis of Council of Retired Federal Permanent Secretaries (CORFERS), yesterday, at CORFERS Week 2024 Colloquium in Abuja.

First, the council said it was time to review the principle of federal character to give way to a merit-based, more competent qualified civil service, capable of delivering the dividends of democracy to the people.

CORFERS is made up of top civil servants, who retired after attaining the grade of permanent secretary or higher positions. The council’s motto is: “Continuing Patriotic Service.’’

In his welcome address, the chief host and Chairman of CORFERS, Yayale Ahmed, drew public attention to the relevance of the body, saying: “We have made our voices heard and have given advice to government through releases, like in the case of Niger Republic that recently witnessed military takeover.’’

He said the body would continue to support the public service and offer necessary suggestions to the government to meet the yearnings of the people.

In his remarks, CORFEPS Chairman, Morning Session, the Baba Oba of Akure Kingdom, Oba Samuel Falae said the theme of the colloquium, “Reflections on Nigeria’s Public Service: Way forward for Good Governance’’ emphasized the need for continuous patriotic service, which, he said, was key to the nation’s progress.

He urged the body to seek adjustment of members’ pensions, since the cost of living had become very high; and to also solicit government’s support for members’ healthcare.

In his remarks, Babagana Kingibe said though members had left the service, they should continue to advise those left behind on the importance of quality service.

In his message, former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, who appreciated the permanent secretaries that worked with him for nine years, explained that they were very competent and hard working civil servants, who took the interest of the nation more than self.

In his remarks, Chairman Federal Civil Service Commission, Prof Tunji Olaopa, said: “We cannot blame Federal Character principle alone for the woes that has taken over the civil service. We cannot blame the federal character in recruitment and appointment for there is no nation that does not man its diversity.’’

Delivering a paper titled, ‘’Reflections on the Nigerian Public Service: Way Forward for Governance, a former Permanent Secretary in the Presidency, Dr Bukar Usman, said the Nigerian public Service of the colonial era was not as large as the post-colonial service and did not command as much resources as it is today; yet, it was more effective in the delivery of services.

The outgoing Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of The Guardian, Martins Oloja, said it was unfortunate that attention had switched from politicians to the civil service on accountability and competence issues.

He challenged top civil servants, like the Head of Service, Secretary to the Government of the Federation to attend the colloquium, where they would gain the expertise and knowledge from the retired permanent secretaries to better their services to the nation.

Oloja said: “One thing that has run through this discussions is the need for review of the Federal Character principle; there is no way you can get a strong civil service through recruitment and promotions that you get the best results.’’