ABUJA, Feb 2, 2026 (Epicstorian News) —The Concerned Professionals in the National Assembly have publicly endorsed Senate President Godswill Akpabio over his decision to cancel a set of controversial appointments recently approved by the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC).
The group described the action as lawful, decisive, and necessary to protect the institutional integrity of the National Assembly. According to them, the cancelled appointments failed to meet established statutory requirements and risked undermining professionalism within the legislature.
In a statement issued on Monday in Abuja, the body commended Akpabio for acting in accordance with the law establishing the NASC and for prioritizing due process over political convenience.
The statement, signed by the group’s leader, Mr. Simon Okechukwu, maintained that the appointments were fraught with irregularities, particularly in the areas of competence, seniority, and federal character representation.
“The decision of the Senate President to cancel the appointments was not only appropriate but necessary to restore order and credibility to the system,” the group stated.
They further emphasized that Akpabio acted strictly within his constitutional mandate as Chairman of the NASC and exercised powers granted to him by law.
Commitment to Due Process
The Concerned Professionals insisted that appointments into key positions within the National Assembly must always be guided by merit, experience, and compliance with the federal character principle.
They argued that allowing the disputed appointments to stand would have created a dangerous precedent capable of eroding public trust in the legislature.
According to the group, the cancellations demonstrate Akpabio’s commitment to transparency and institutional reform.
“This action shows that the Senate President is determined to ensure that only qualified and deserving individuals occupy sensitive positions in the National Assembly,” the statement added.
They applauded his directive that all future appointments must strictly follow due process and reflect fairness and national balance.
Support for Patrick Giwa–Led Committee
The professionals also expressed strong support for the establishment of the Patrick Giwa–led Establishment Committee, which was constituted to review the cancelled appointments and recommend a credible path forward.
The committee was specifically mandated to examine personnel records, investigate petitions, and ensure that future appointments and promotions conform to extant regulations.
The group urged the committee to carry out its assignment with diligence, independence, and a strong sense of justice.
“The Giwa committee has a crucial responsibility to correct existing anomalies and prevent future abuses in the appointment system,” they noted.
They further encouraged staff members and professional bodies to submit verifiable petitions to assist the review process.
Allegations of Undue Influence
In their statement, the Concerned Professionals raised serious allegations that some individuals had attempted to influence the appointment process through financial inducements.
They claimed that unqualified persons had offered large sums of money in a bid to secure senior positions within the National Assembly bureaucracy.
“Such corrupt practices compromised the integrity of the process and contributed to the flawed appointments that were eventually cancelled,” the group alleged.
They commended Akpabio for resisting pressure from vested interests and choosing instead to protect the reputation of the institution.
The group called on relevant anti-corruption agencies to monitor developments closely and investigate any credible claims of bribery or manipulation.
Confidence in Committee Leadership
Expressing confidence in the committee chairman, the professionals described Mr. Patrick Giwa as a highly experienced administrator with a proven record of integrity.
Giwa, a former Clerk of the House of Representatives and current NASC commissioner, was praised for his deep understanding of legislative administration and personnel management.
“His experience and credibility make him the right person to lead this sensitive assignment,” the statement said.
They urged him to remain impartial and ensure that recommendations are based strictly on facts and established rules.
Concerns Over Engineering Department Promotions
The group also highlighted alleged irregularities in the engineering department of the National Assembly, where some senior officers were reportedly bypassed for promotion.
According to existing regulations, officers are required to complete at least two promotion levels before becoming eligible for certain senior positions.
The professionals insisted that any deviation from this rule must be corrected to preserve fairness and morale within the service.
They called on the Giwa committee to pay particular attention to this department and address all verified grievances.
Background to the Crisis
The controversy began when the NASC approved seven senior appointments – three positions in the House of Representatives and four management-level positions within the National Assembly bureaucracy.
Shortly after the approvals were announced, staff unions, professional associations, and senior officers protested the process.
Petitions flooded the offices of the Senate President alleging that the appointments violated principles of competence, seniority, and federal character.
Many employees complained that qualified officers were sidelined while less experienced individuals were favored.
Akpabio Orders Review
In response to the uproar, Akpabio initiated a comprehensive review of the process and eventually concluded that the appointments did not meet statutory requirements.
He subsequently ordered their immediate cancellation and directed that a fresh, transparent process be undertaken.
To ensure fairness, he established the Patrick Giwa–led committee to examine records, receive petitions, and make recommendations.
All seven appointments were formally nullified after it became clear that due process had not been followed.
Implications for Public Service Governance
Governance analysts say the episode highlights broader challenges within Nigeria’s public service, where allegations of favoritism and political interference often undermine professionalism.
They argue that Akpabio’s decisive action could serve as a model for reforms in other government institutions.
The incident has also reignited national conversations about the importance of merit-based appointments in public administration.
As the Giwa committee begins its work, stakeholders are hopeful that the outcome will restore confidence in the NASC and strengthen internal administrative processes.
The Concerned Professionals concluded their statement by pledging continued support for reforms that promote accountability and fairness within the National Assembly.
“This is a victory for due process and institutional integrity,” the group declared.
