National Order of Precedence — An observation

Nigeria is a country where people learn to disobey the law than obey it. I have observed in recent years how government officials behave at public functions or occasions as if Nigeria has no National Order of precedence of public officers and other persons Act. This Act was sponsored by Senator Jonathan Silas Zwingina in […]

Nigeria is a country where people learn to disobey the law than obey it. I have observed in recent years how government officials behave at public functions or occasions as if Nigeria has no National Order of precedence of public officers and other persons Act. This Act was sponsored by Senator Jonathan Silas Zwingina in year 2000.

The Order of Precedence has 34 categories. The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is the first on the list. The Vice-President is the next most important citizen in Nigeria. Any other category of officers in the public service of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is the least on the list of National Order of Precedence.

The objectives of the National Order of Precedence is to maintain public order and decorum at national functions, official and social engagement of the federal and state governments; uphold respect and recognition at national and public places, V.I.P. lounges, domestic and international airports and diplomatic missions.

It is also meant to facilitate the good governance of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and guide the revenue mobilization, salaries and allowances of public officers.

Public office includes the chairmanship of ad hoc tribunals, commissioners or committees.

Order of Precedence means a list of public officers arranged in their order of seniority or hierarchy and functions in government and with the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria being the first on the list.

Many state governments in Nigeria do not always follow the National Order of Precedence. Religious organisations too, are guilty of not observing the National Order of Precedence. There was a church service where the bishops who are 30th of the list of National Precedence were recognised before the vice president, who is 2nd on the list of National Order of Precedence.

National Order of Precedence should be a full course subject in our higher institutions for mass communication students especially those studying broadcasting.

Those working in radio and television houses have to know the National Order of Precedence so that we may not always see them putting the cat before the horse at public functions or occasions.

Many who act as masters of ceremony at state government functions appear not to know that there is a National Order of Precedence of public officers and other persons in Nigeria.

They recognize dignitaries at their own whims and caprices.

It is very important for those handling public functions to adhere to the National Order of Precedence like in other civilized countries.             

 Dr. Sunday O. Ajaican be reached via [email protected]