Federal Character Commission Queries DSS Over ‘Lopsided Recruitment’

Federal Character Commission (FCC) has demanded explanation from the Department of State Services (DSS) over recent appointments into the agency, which was described as lopsided.

Chairman of FCC, Dr. Shettima Abba, said the commission has given the DSS a three-month ultimatum to explain the alleged appointment lopsidedness or face appropriate sanctions.

There has been an outcry in the country over the recent recruitment into the DSS.

According to reports, the DSS recruited 51 persons from Katsina state alone whereas all the states in the South South got a combined 42 candidates.

The action is believed to have unduly favoured some states, contrary to section 14 (3) of the 1999 constitution as amended.

Dr. Abba pleaded for time before the commission would be able to make a categorical statement, adding that DSS DG, Mallam Lawal Daura, is out of the country on assignment.

He pledged that investigation would be carried out to determine if the agency had breached any extant law relating to appointments in line with the rules of the FCC.

“In the Federal Character Commission, we are looking at the total number of indigenes of each state in a particular organisation. With the DSS, until we look at the total number on the nominal roll and compare it with the recruitment recently made, we cannot categorically say anything yet.

“The FCC has given the DSS three months to respond. If they don’t respond, whatever sanction that is being applied shall be taken," he said.