Civil servants have received a warning from the federal government not to engage in party politics as this is against public service rules.

Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan, the Head of the Federation’s Civil Service, issued a strong warning to all civil servants in a circular dated May 5, 2022, which Saturday Tribune was able to view. The circular stated that all civil servants should abide by the provisions of Public Service Rules for the overall benefit of neutrality, harmony, integrity, and the growth of the Nigerian Civil Service.

She stated that the need for clarifications arose from the volume of queries she received regarding the Public Service Rules (PSR) and its relationship to the Supreme Court’s ruling against civil officials’ involvement in political politics.

Yemi-Esan clarified that civil servants are not permitted to participate in partisan politics by the Supreme Court or the 1999 Constitution.

She restated that any civil officials who choose to take part in nomination processes or party primaries must abide by the Public Service Rules’ restrictions, which are still in effect.

In reference to the Supreme Court’s ruling regarding civil servants’ involvement in party politics, the circular stated: “The Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) has been inundated with requests for clarification on the provision of Public Service Rules (PSR).”

Given the foregoing, it is therefore imperative that all government officials be made aware of the Honorable Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice’s (HAGF&MJ) legal view about this issue. In his letter, Ref. No. SGF/PS/HCSF/210/1l dated 26th November 2018, HAGF&MJ argued inter alia, that: “neither the 1999 Constitution nor the Supreme Court has authorized civil servants to engage in partisan politics.

“Since the Supreme Court did not declare the provisions of Rules 030422 and 030423 of the Public Service Rules (2008 Edition) invalid, they continue to be enforceable and mandatory for all civil servants wishing to take part in nomination processes or party primaries.”

The provisions of Rules 030402(g), 030422, and 030423 of the Public Service Rules (2008 Edition) should be enforced, he concluded. Additionally, civil servants should be made aware of the fact that the Supreme Court’s ruling in INEC v. Musa did not invalidate or set aside these Public Service Rules’ provisions; as a result, any civil servant desiring to participate in or seek a nomination in party primary elections must adhere to them.

Therefore, it is strongly advised that all civil servants follow the guidelines set forth in PSR and the legal opinion provided by the Honorable Attorney-General of the Federation/Minister of Justice on the matter, in the overall best interest of neutrality, harmony, integrity, and the development of the Nigerian Civil Service.

“It is important that everyone who is affected by the contents of this circular receive as much exposure as possible,” she stated.