The Federal Government of Nigeria has warned all civil servants to shun partisan Politics and maintain their neutrality at all levels as enshrined in the civil service rules of engagement.
The government gave the warning through the Head of Service of the
Federation, Dr Folasade Yemi-Esan, who in a circular dated 5th May 2022, drew the attention of all civil servants to the legal opinion of the Attorney General of the Federation and the Minister of Justice which stated that neither the 1999 Constitution nor the Supreme Court has authorized civil servants to engage in partisan Politics, especially those seeking to participate in nomination exercises or party primaries.
Folasade therefore, called for a strict enforcement and implementation of the public service rule in this regard.
The statement reads in parts: “The Office of the Head of Service of the Federation (OHCSF) has been inundated with requests for clarification on the provision of Public Service Rules in vis-a-vis the Supreme Court judgement as it relates to participation of civil servants in partisan Politics.
“In the light of the above, it has become necessary to draw the attention of all civil servants to the legal opinion of the Attorney General of the Federation on this matter. In his letter, Ref No.SGF/PS/HCF/210/ dated 26th November, 2018, it asserted, inter Alia that neither the Supreme Court has authorized civil servants to engage in partisan Politics. The provisions of Rules 030422 and 030423 of the Public Service Rules 2008 edition were not nullified by the Supreme Court, hence they remain forceful and binding on all civil servants seeking to participate in nomination exercises or party primaries.”
He concluded that: “the provisions of the public service rules should be enforced, and that the attention of civil servants be drawn to the fact that the Supreme Court judgement in INEC vs Musa did not set aside or nullify these provisions, hence they must be complied with by any civil servant who wishes to seek nomination or participation in party primary elections.
“Accordingly, in the overall best interest of neutrality, harmony, integrity and development of Nigerian Civil Service, all civil Servants are strongly advised to be guided by the provisions of PSR and the legal opinion of the Attorney general of the Federation on this subject.”