The Senate Committee on Establishment and Public Service has suspended the confirmation of Dr. Charles Efe Sylvester Emukowhate as Executive Director (Finance) of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) following allegations of dual public appointments and failure to account for public funds during his tenure at the National Pension Commission (PENCOM).
Dr. Emukowhate’s appointment was stepped down on Tuesday during the screening of nominees for the NSITF Board at the National Assembly in Abuja after a petition raised concerns over his eligibility.
The petition alleged that Dr. Emukowhate currently serves as a board member of the South-South Development Commission (SSDC) while also being nominated for NSITF, a violation of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Public Service Rules, and the Federal Character Commission Act.
Chairman of the committee, Senator Cyril Fasuyi, described the allegations as serious and insisted they must be thoroughly investigated before any decision is 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 queried Dr. Emukowhate’s stewardship as former Commissioner for Finance at PENCOM, where the agency reportedly failed to submit audited financial statements for four years, contrary to statutory requirements for public institutions.
“These are weighty issues that question accountability and transparency. Until they are clarified, this committee will not go ahead with his screening,” Fasuyi added.
Following deliberations, the committee resolved to suspend consideration of Dr. Emukowhate’s appointment pending findings from further investigations.
Meanwhile, other nominees were successfully screened and cleared by the committee after meeting statutory requirements. Those confirmed include the board chairman nominee, Mr. Opeyemi Agbaje, among others.
The Nigerian Constitution expressly prohibits dual public appointments. Section 318(1) and Part I, Paragraph 2(b) of the Fifth Schedule state that “a public officer shall not engage or participate in the management or running of any other public office, except as permitted by law.”
Additionally, Section 14(3) of the Constitution and Section 4(1)(a) of the Federal Character Commission Act emphasize equitable distribution of public offices, while Public Service Rule 030402 classifies holding two concurrent public offices as serious misconduct punishable by dismissal.
Senator Fasuyi reaffirmed the Senate’s commitment to due process.
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“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,” he said.
The committee is expected to submit its report to the Senate plenary after concluding investigations into the allegations against Dr. Emukowhate.
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