FG under fire over alleged unfairness in Permanent Secretary selection

By Luminous Jannamike, Abuja

A coalition of Northern clerics has raised concerns over what it describes as a lack of fairness in the recent selection process for Federal Permanent Secretaries.

The Arewa Christians and Indigenous Pastors Association (ACIPA) alleged in an open letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other top government officials that a Christian candidate from the North East who reportedly scored 83 percent in the selection interview was not chosen, while another candidate who scored lower was announced as a Permanent Secretary.

The letter, dated November 6, 2025, was signed by ACIPA Chairman, Rev. (Dr.) Luke Shehu.

According to the group, the development has heightened concerns about equity and representation in federal appointments. ACIPA said it views the situation as part of a longstanding pattern where candidates from minority groups in the North feel disadvantaged in recruitment and promotion exercises.

“Our attention has been drawn to what we consider an unfair process regarding the recent interview for Federal Permanent Secretaries,” Shehu stated.

The association referenced the published outcome of the interview, claiming that the highest-scoring candidate was passed over. It noted that the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) on November 4 announced Mohammed Musa Isiyaku, who placed fifth with 54 percent, as one of the new Permanent Secretaries.

ACIPA urged the Federal Government to review the process, appealing for fairness and transparency.

“We are calling on all concerned to correct this anomaly in the interest of justice and national unity,” Shehu said.

The group stressed that its position was not confrontational but rooted in its advocacy for equity and peaceful coexistence.

It further appealed to religious leaders, traditional rulers, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders to engage constructively with the government to ensure inclusion in public service appointments.

Copies of the letter were also forwarded to lawmakers, ministers, security chiefs, and various organisations as part of ACIPA’s call for broader dialogue on fairness in the civil service.

The post FG under fire over alleged unfairness in Permanent Secretary selection appeared first on Vanguard News.