Nigeria’s Head of Service clarifies PSR on participation of civil servants in politics

The Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) on Friday clarified the provision of Public Service Rules (PSR) vis-a-vis the Supreme Court Judgment as it relates to participation of civil servants in partisan politics.

In a circular, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr Folasade Yemi-Esan adverted the attention of all civil servants to the legal opinion of the Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice (HAGF&MJ) on the matter in his letter. Ref. No. SGF/PS/ HCSF/210/11 dated 26th November. 2018, HAGF&MJ asserted. Which stated inter ala, that:
“neither the 1999 Constitution nor 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 in force and binding on all civil servants seeking to participate in nomination exercises or party primaries.”

The Minister of Justice and AGF concluded that:
“the provisions of Rules 030402(g), 030422 and 030423 of the Public Service Rules (2008 Edition} should be enforced and that the attention of civil servants (be drawn) to the fact that the Supreme Court judgment in INEC vs Musa did not set aside or nullify these provisions of the Public Service Rules, hence, they must be compiled with by any civil servant who wishes to seek nomination or participation in party primary elections.”

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The Head of Service said that in the overall best interest of neutrality, harmony, integrity and development of Nigerian Civil Service, all civil servants were strongly advised to be guided by the provisions of PSR and the legal opinion of Honourable Allorney­ General of the Federation/Minister or Justice on the subject.

She added that the content of this circular should be given widest circulation for the compliance of all concerned.