A civil society organization, the Malcolm Omirhobo Foundation, has petitioned the National Assembly over what it describes as an “offensive and unlawful” process leading to the appointment of Mr. Emmanuel Odoh as the Acting Clerk of the Senate.The
petition, dated October 6, 2025, and addressed to the Chairman National Assembly Service Commission, The Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the Clerk to the National Assembly, calls for the immediate suspension of the appointment pending a thorough investigation into alleged violations of civil service rules and the principles of federal character.
According to the foundation, the appointment, which was made on September 15, 2025, disregarded established service regulations, merit-based considerations, and the standing practice guiding seniority and appointments within the National Assembly bureaucracy. The organization expressed strong concern that the process was politically influenced and did not reflect the transparency and fairness expected of such a high-level administrative decision.
The petition alleges that Mr. Odoh’s service records contain inconsistencies, particularly regarding his date of birth. The foundation claims to have discovered discrepancies in official documents obtained through independent verification. One of the documents reportedly shows Mr. Odoh’s date of birth as February 23, 1966, while another recent record lists it as December 23, 1968. These conflicting details, according to the foundation, raise serious questions about possible falsification or alteration of official records.
Attached to the petition were copies of the nominal roll and staff biodata that the foundation says substantiate its findings. The organization argued that allowing an individual with questionable records to occupy such a sensitive position undermines the integrity of the public service and sets a dangerous precedent for administrative governance.
The petition further criticizes what it describes as the “jettisoning of more qualified officers” who were overlooked for the position in favor of Mr. Odoh. The foundation noted that such actions contradict the federal character principle enshrined in Nigeria’s constitution, which seeks to ensure equitable representation of all regions in public appointments. It added that the decision also amounts to an arbitrary exercise of power that denies deserving officers the opportunity to advance based on merit and seniority.
The group warned that the current development could erode public confidence in the Senate’s internal administrative processes if not promptly addressed. It described the appointment as a “travesty of justice” and a “mockery of the principles of meritocracy and fairness,” emphasizing that decisions of this nature must be guided by integrity, transparency, and the rule of law.
The Malcolm Omirhobo Foundation also alleged that the removal and demotion of some staff members preceding the appointment appeared to have been influenced by “extraneous considerations,” including political and regional factors, rather than objective administrative criteria. It urged the Senate leadership to take immediate steps to halt the alleged irregularities and restore order in line with due process.
In the petition, the organization requested the Senate President to initiate a discreet investigation into the allegations raised, particularly concerning the authenticity of Mr. Odoh’s service records. It called for appropriate disciplinary action if the allegations of record falsification are proven. The foundation further insisted that the appointment of a Clerk of the Senate must adhere strictly to established service rules, with due regard for seniority, competence, and zoning principles that uphold the spirit of federal character.
The petition stressed that the situation demanded urgent administrative intervention to prevent the erosion of institutional values within the National Assembly’s service structure. The group noted that the credibility of Nigeria’s legislative bureaucracy depends on maintaining transparency and fairness in appointments to key positions.
Reiterating its commitment to promoting accountability and the rule of law, the foundation appealed to the leadership of the National Assembly to ensure that justice is done without delay. It emphasized that adherence to due process would not only strengthen the institution’s credibility but also reaffirm public confidence in its commitment to equity and standardization in public service administration.
The Malcolm Omirhobo Foundation concluded its petition by expressing optimism that the Senate and the relevant authorities would take prompt and decisive action to address the concerns raised. The organization stated that only through such actions could the principles of meritocracy, fairness, and transparency be upheld in Nigeria’s public institutions.
The petition was officially acknowledged by the Office of the Clerk of the National Assembly on October 6, 2025.
