The Senate Committee on Establishment and Public Service on Tuesday stepped down the appointment of Dr. Charles Efe Sylvester Emukowhate as Executive Director (Finance) of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) over allegations of dual appointments and failure to render financial accounts during his previous tenure at the National Pension Commission (PENCOM).
The decision followed a petition presented before the committee during the screening of nominees for the NSITF board at the National Assembly in Abuja.
The petition alleged that Dr. Emukowhate was still serving as a Board Member of the South-South Development Commission (SSDC) while also being appointed to serve at the NSITF, a situation the committee described as a breach of the Public Service Rules, the 1999 Constitution (as amended), and the Federal Character Commission (Establishment) Act.
Chairman of the Committee, Senator Cyril Fasuyi, who presided over the session, said the allegations were serious and must be properly investigated before any confirmation could be made.
“We received a petition alleging that Dr. Charles Emukowhate is currently holding two federal appointments. This contravenes public service regulations, constitutional provisions, and the Federal Character principle of equity in public appointments. We cannot proceed with his confirmation until the issues are fully investigated,” Senator Fasuyi said.
The committee also noted that during his time as Commissioner for Finance at PENCOM, the agency failed to present audited financial accounts for four years, contrary to financial reporting laws governing public institutions.
“These are weighty issues that question accountability and transparency. Until they are clarified, this committee will not go ahead with his screening,” the chairman added.
Following deliberations, the committee resolved to step down Dr. Emukowhate’s appointment pending further findings on the allegations.
However, other nominees for the PENCOM Board were screened and cleared by the committee after being found qualified and meeting all statutory requirements. Those cleared include the appointed Board Chairman, Mr. Opeyemi Agbaje, among others.
The Nigerian Constitution clearly forbids dual appointments in public service. Section 318(1) and Part I, Paragraph 2(b) of the Fifth Schedule to the 1999 Constitution (as amended) provide that “a public officer shall not engage or participate in the management or running of any other public office, except as permitted by law.”
Similarly, Section 14(3) of the 1999 Constitution and Section 4(1)(a) of the Federal Character Commission (Establishment) Act, Cap F7, LFN 2004, emphasize equitable distribution of public offices and prohibit multiple appointments that may deny others opportunity to serve.
In the same vein, Public Service Rule (PSR) 030402 classifies the holding of two concurrent public offices as a “serious misconduct” offence punishable by dismissal from service.
Senator Fasuyi reaffirmed the Senate’s commitment to upholding these constitutional principles.
“The Senate is committed to transparency and accountability. We must uphold the integrity of public institutions and ensure that those handling public funds meet ethical and constitutional standards,” Fasuyi stated.
With the other nominees confirmed, the committee is expected to submit its report to the Senate plenary after completing investigations into Dr. Emukowhate’s case.
