Transparency and Accountability Network (TAN) has expressed worry over the recent computer-based interview exercise conducted by the Emeka Ezeh led Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Civil Service Commission for the appointment of Directors.
Reports and testimonies indicate that the entire exercise was marred by serious irregularities, technical failures, and a lack of due process.
The Chairman and Chief Executive of the group, Comrade Michael Briggs in a statement issued Sunday Abuja alleged that candidates that sat for the interview were subjected to malfunctioning computer systems, frequent network breakdowns, and faulty platforms that significantly hindered their performance.
He added that this development has raised widespread concerns about transparency, fairness, and credibility in the selection process.
The group, therefore, called on the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike to review and nullify the flawed computer-based interview exercise, and put in place a transparent, fair, and merit-driven process that includes written and oral interviews to test candidates comprehensively.
It was of the opinion that the credibility of the Civil Service rests on processes that are transparent, inclusive, and technically sound, stressing that the FCT deserves nothing less than a recruitment process that guarantees competence, fairness, and justice.
Briggs noted: “More worrisome is the fact that the Commission failed to provide the traditional oral or written assessment components, which are globally recognised as vital tools for testing candidates’ leadership capacity, administrative competence, and problem-solving skills.
“Instead, the Commission relied solely on a compromised computer-based system that did not reflect the true intellectual and managerial abilities of the candidates.”
“The Civil Service, which thrives on merit, integrity, and due diligence, cannot afford to compromise on such a sensitive exercise meant to produce Directors who will drive the administration and governance of the FCT.
“The so-called technology-driven exercise has only exposed the glaring lack of infrastructure within the FCTA, which is yet to meet up with globally acceptable standards of digitalisation.
“Unfortunately, the Commission, under the high-handed approach of its Chairman, has become a burden to FCTA staff. Several commissioners themselves are reportedly dissatisfied with the chairman’s draconian style of leadership, which continues to stifle fairness, transparency, and effective administration.”
Briggs called on the FCT Administration to upgrade its own ICT infrastructure to ensure reliability before any future computer-based assessments.