The Centre for Democratic Governance and Parliamentary Advocacy (CDGPA), a pro-democracy group, has thrown its weight behind the House of Representatives' investigation into the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS). The group condemned what it described as a secret recruitment exercise by the agency that violates constitutional standards on equitable representation and transparency.
House Committee Orders Suspension of NRS Recruitment
The House Committee on Federal Character, chaired by former Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Idris Wase, had earlier directed the NRS to halt its recruitment exercise. The committee cited concerns that the agency failed to comply with constitutional provisions on federal character—a principle designed to ensure fair representation of all states and regions in federal appointments. Additionally, the committee questioned a waiver reportedly granted to the NRS by the Federal Character Commission to proceed with the exercise.
The controversy deepened after the NRS Executive Chairman, Dr. Zacch Adedeji, allegedly declined multiple invitations from the committee. A civil society group, the Incorporated Trustees of Patriotic Youth Organisations of Nigeria, has also filed a suit at the Abuja High Court challenging the appointment of six executive directors of the agency over alleged violations of the federal character principle.
CDGPA Cites Constitutional Provisions
In a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday, July 28, the CDGPA cited Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution, which empower the National Assembly to investigate federal agencies and compel the attendance of public officials. The group argued that no agency should unilaterally decide which arm of government it cooperates with.
“It is disturbing that while serious concerns have been raised regarding recruitment and appointments within the Service, its leadership has reportedly failed to honour repeated invitations by the House Committee on Federal Character. Such conduct diminishes transparency and weakens public confidence in democratic institutions,” said Comrade Ibrahim Yusuf, Executive Director of CDGPA.
CDGPA Calls on President Tinubu to Defend Parliament
The group called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to publicly defend the National Assembly, noting that several top officials in his administration—including Vice President Kashim Shettima, Secretary to the Government of the Federation Senator George Akume, and Chief of Staff Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila—built their political careers through Parliament. “The institution must not be allowed to suffer erosion under their watch. Respect for Parliament should be non-negotiable for every public office holder,” the group stated.
CDGPA urged the House of Representatives to invoke all available constitutional powers to enforce compliance with its summons, and called on Nigerians to support the legislature’s push for transparency and accountability in federal agencies. The group warned that defiance of parliamentary summons by any agency threatens the democratic fabric of the nation.
Broader Implications for Accountability
The NRS recruitment controversy highlights ongoing tensions between federal agencies and oversight bodies. The House Committee on Federal Character is constitutionally mandated to ensure that appointments and recruitments reflect the country’s diversity. The committee’s investigation into the NRS is part of broader efforts to enforce compliance with federal character requirements across all government ministries, departments, and agencies.
Analysts note that the standoff between the NRS and the House committee could set a precedent for how agencies respond to legislative oversight. If the NRS is allowed to ignore parliamentary summons, it may embolden other agencies to do the same, undermining the National Assembly’s oversight function.
The CDGPA’s statement comes as public pressure mounts for the NRS to cooperate fully with the investigation. The group has vowed to monitor the situation and mobilize civil society support for the legislature’s efforts to uphold constitutional principles.
