Veteran journalist Reuben Abati laments that despite publicly expressing interest in an INEC role his credentials were never requested He reflects on the process expectations and what this means for transparency and accountability in public appointments .
In a recent statement veteran journalist and former presidential aide Dr Reuben Abati expressed disappointment and concern about the selection process surrounding a job opportunity at the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC According to Abati despite publicly indicating his interest in the position and making his credentials available nobody asked for his CV His revelation has sparked conversations about how public institutions manage recruitment the level of transparency in their procedures and the expectations of qualified aspirants .
Who Is Reuben Abati
Dr Reuben Abati is a respected journalist writer and public intellectual who once served as a presidential spokesperson in Nigeria Over the years he has played key roles in journalism broadcasting and governance His reputation as a sharp commentator on national issues has made him a well known voice in public discussions and his observations often ignite broader debates on policy and governance .
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The Claim Indicated Interest Yet No Request for CV
Abati’s statement was straightforward yet powerful He noted that although he publicly expressed interest in working with INEC no one from the institution reached out to request his CV or any formal documentation He explained that despite making himself available for consideration there was no acknowledgment or invitation for submission of credentials This situation he said raises important questions about how opportunities are shared and evaluated within public offices His message goes beyond personal disappointment as it highlights the larger issue of institutional accountability and fairness .
Possible Interpretations and Reactions
Opaque Recruitment Practices
If someone as experienced and publicly known as Reuben Abati could be ignored at the basic CV submission stage it naturally raises doubts about the openness of INEC’s recruitment system It suggests that the process might not be as inclusive or transparent as it should be .
Selective Filtering or Gatekeeping
It is also possible that the institution already filtered candidates through informal channels or internal networks before requesting any documentation If that were the case it would indicate that certain names were prioritized behind closed doors which fuels suspicions of favoritism .
Public Messaging and Credibility
By bringing his experience to light Abati has compelled INEC and similar institutions to reflect on their processes His statement puts pressure on public bodies to uphold credibility especially those that play central roles in democratic activities .
Expectations Versus Reality in Political Jobs
In theory public appointments should be open and merit based However the reality in many cases shows otherwise Often selections depend on connections internal lobbying or other factors unrelated to merit Abati’s experience underlines this long standing tension between expectation and reality .
Implications for Recruitment in Public Institutions
Public recruitment is expected to be fair transparent and inclusive Requiring candidates to submit documents like CVs cover letters and certificates is the standard practice that ensures everyone gets a fair evaluation When that process is ignored or unclear it weakens trust in the institution .
Institutions like INEC must establish clear and well documented procedures for screening applicants Transparency builds credibility and helps the public understand that decisions are based on merit not favoritism When notable individuals report being left out without explanation it sends a discouraging message to others who may want to serve .
Public institutions must be accountable by clearly publishing recruitment criteria deadlines and selection procedures Doing so reassures citizens that the process is genuine and competitive It also prevents the disillusionment that arises when deserving candidates feel excluded .
What Abati May Be Requesting or Signifying
Through his statement Abati may be calling for more than just personal recognition He could be asking for a formal explanation from INEC on why his credentials were never requested He might also be urging a broader review of recruitment protocols within public service This situation could spark important conversations about how high profile agencies handle staffing decisions and how merit should be prioritized over internal influence .
Broader Context and Precedents
Abati’s situation is not unique Similar experiences have been reported across various public institutions where the lack of open recruitment fuels perceptions of nepotism and favoritism High profile individuals who are sidelined sometimes make their experiences public to encourage accountability Civil society organizations have long demanded reforms to make recruitment into public service more open competitive and transparent .
By speaking up Abati joins a growing list of voices calling for reforms especially in agencies that hold significant democratic responsibilities like INEC His story serves as a reminder that transparency is not just a virtue but a necessity for the credibility of public institutions .
Potential Institutional Response
In response to such claims INEC or the relevant authorities could offer an official clarification explaining whether Abati was considered and what the process entailed The institution might also review its recruitment methods to ensure that future procedures are clear and fair Another possible outcome could be the invitation for interested individuals to formally submit their credentials through open channels Finally this incident could inspire reforms that set a new standard of transparency for future appointments .
Conclusion
Dr Reuben Abati’s statement that nobody asked for his CV despite his interest in working with INEC is more than a personal concern It sheds light on the challenges of transparency fairness and accountability in public recruitment His experience highlights the gap between what is promised and what actually happens within institutions entrusted with national responsibility For a democracy to function effectively even the processes of hiring and selection must be open and credible Abati’s revelation serves as a call for reform and a reminder that every public institution must earn the confidence of the people it serves .
Disclaimer:
The news information presented here is based on available reports and reliable sources Readers are advised to cross check updates from official news outlets .