Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has called for fairness, equity, and equal allocation of slots and opportunities in the African Union Commission (AUC) among member countries.
Speaking at a Joint Orientation Workshop for the Committee on Audit and Public Accounts (CAPA), Committee on Rules, Privileges and Discipline, and Committee on Monetary and Financial Affairs of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) at Midrand, South Africa, on Tuesday, Kalu emphasised the need for fairness and equity in the allocation of slots and opportunities.
The Pan-African Parliament, also known as the African Parliament, is the legislative body of the African Union.
In his contribution to the issues, the Deputy Speaker also urged the AUC to reconsider its decision and ensure fair treatment for all member states, expressing concerns over the AUC’s handling of appeals arising from the issues.
He said, ” We are talking about the African Union Commission (AUC) in Ethiopia. We are saying fairness and equity for everyone who is supposed to get slots, either by contributions or geography.
“If there is a Nigerian who wants to be anything, you should not tell him no. So, it’s equality for all. If we create equality, competition, and a formula that recognises indicators that will inform the decisions of those in Human Resources, the balance will be made.
“As long as there’s still a gap for an appeal to take place, it’s wrong for the execution of a decision to be in place. The appeal is revisiting and reviewing the initial position so the status quo states the punishment.
“This is the fundamental principle of the law, and some of us here are lawyers. To accept this in a forum where they are members is wrong. So, it needs to be revisited. The office needs to take it up with the AUC”.
