The Senate Committee on Establishment and Public Service has suspended the reappointment of Mr. Charles E. Sylvester Emukowhate as Director for Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) following allegations of dual public office holding and failure to render audited financial accounts for four consecutive years and failure to render financial accounts during his previous tenure at the National Pension Commission (PENCOM).
The committee reached the decision on Tuesday during the screening of nominees for reappointment and confirmation to the PENCOM Board at the National Assembly. Proceedings took an unexpected turn when a petition against Mr. Emukowhate was formally presented before the panel.
The petition accused Emukowhate of concurrently holding two federal appointments—serving as PENCOM’s Commissioner for Finance while also sitting as a Board Member of the South-South Development Commission (SSDC), an act considered a violation of constitutional and public service regulations.
Committee Chairman, Senator Cyril Fasuyi, described the allegations as “serious and weighty,” noting that due process must be followed before any consideration for reappointment.
“This is a clear violation of public service regulations and constitutional provisions. Until these issues are thoroughly investigated, the committee cannot proceed with his reappointment,” Senator Fasuyi declared.
He further revealed that PENCOM, under Emukowhate’s financial leadership, had not submitted audited accounts in the last four years.
“This raises serious questions about financial transparency and accountability within the Commission,” Fasuyi added.
Following deliberations, the committee resolved to step down Emukowhate’s screening pending a comprehensive investigation into the claims.
Meanwhile, other nominees were successfully screened and cleared, including the Board Chairman nominee, Mr. Opeyemi Agbaje, who was commended for his qualifications and experience.
Senator Fasuyi reiterated the Senate’s commitment to integrity in public service, stating:
“The Senate will not condone any breach of ethical standards. We must safeguard the integrity of Nigeria’s pension system and protect retirees’ funds.”
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Constitutional and regulatory frameworks strongly prohibit dual public appointments. Section 318(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), alongside Paragraph 2(b) of Part I of the Fifth Schedule, bars public officers from occupying multiple public positions. Additionally, Public Service Rule 030402 classifies dual appointments as serious misconduct punishable by dismissal.
The Senate committee has pledged to conduct due diligence on the petition before submitting its final report to the Senate plenary. The fate of Mr. Emukowhate’s reappointment now depends on the outcome of the ongoing investigation.
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