The FERMA unions have raised objections to Senate President Godswill Akpabio's recent announcement of certain board members, particularly his use of the term "executive board members" instead of traditional board members. In a letter jointly signed by the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria and the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporation, Civil Service Technical, and Recreational Services Employees, the unions expressed dissatisfaction with Akpabio's decision.

The unions, represented by ASCSN Chairman Paul Onimisi and AUPCTRE Chairman Abdulmumin Idris, criticized Akpabio's appointment of some individuals as executive board members, stating that it goes against the FERMA Act and career progression within government agencies. They deemed it counterproductive and demoralizing for career officers, as the intention seemed to be for executive board members to take over from career officers running departments.

The unions respectfully urged the Senate President to confirm the appointment of board members in accordance with the FERMA Act, warning that deviating from this would disrupt the agency's structure, derail its mandate, and demoralize the workers. They highlighted the potential adverse consequences of making some board members executive members, including the creation of a board within a board, which would lead the agency in the wrong direction regarding its mandate.

The unions called for an immediate reversal of what they deemed an illegality to prevent potential anarchy resulting from the situation. The letter was addressed to President Bola Tinubu to draw attention to the anomaly.