National Assembly: Coalition appeals for Calm over Clerk’s Appointment 

The group made the call at a press briefing in Abuja in response to certain media reports that there are attempts to subvert the process for the appointment of a Clerk at the National Assembly.

“It is unfortunate that the media seems fixated and predictable anytime a Clerk of the National Assembly is to be appointed.

“The process becomes a feast for conspiracy theories, unsubstantiated allegations and red herrings.

“Interestingly, the headlines never change. As it was in 2019, 2020, it is the same now in 2022. How sad!

“The media owe a duty of truth, accuracy, balance and fairness. But often than not, these are thrown to the garbage bin in the effort to pander to certain interests.

“As stakeholders in ensuring good governance, accountability and transparency, we feel obliged to urge the media not to overheat the polity and cook up stories that have no empirical basis. 

“The National Assembly Service Commission, as we know, will always carry out its functions in a credible manner by following due process stated by the Head of service of the Federation, giving clearance on pre-retirement leave of a retiring civil servant which reads:

Pre-retirement leave as provided for in the Public Service rule 100, 238:

1. Officers are required to give 3-month notice to retire from service before the effective date of retirement.

At the commencement of the 3 months, officers should proceed immediately on the compulsory one-month pre-retirement workshop/ seminar. 

2. For the remaining 2 months, retiring officers are expected to take necessary measures to put their record straight so as to facilitate the speedy processing of their benefits.

3. Going by the provision, it is compulsory for the retiring officer to give a notice of 3 months prior to his/her retirement,” said the coalition.

It noted that amongst other intents, this provision is to enable Ministries,  Departments and Agencies to arrange a replacement in good time for the officer as provided in the rule and where organized, the retiring officer will attend a one-month pre-retirement seminar/ workshop.

“He/ She is expected in his/her own interest to gather his/her records from various MDAs he/she must have served.

“Thus, it is to facilitate the process of his retirement benefit. It is, therefore, not out of order if the officer chooses to work in office during the period.

“The Clerk of the National Assembly, as we all know, has already given a notice of 3 months to embark on retirement leave on February 14, 2023 in accordance with the rules of the civil service of the Federation.

“We strongly believe that the story flying of plans to influence members of the commission to appoint a certain individual is planted by those afraid of going through the process,” the group added.

They also said that the idea being planted that a certain region should be excluded in the appointment is dangerous and against the federal character principle.

“It should be based on seniority, competence and geo-political zones and allowed in the interest of national cohesion, establishment effectiveness and inclusion.

“The National Assembly Service Commission should be well abreast of public service rules,” the group emphasized.

It also said that the National Assembly Service Commission should be seen to be fair and transparent in interpreting the rules of the commission in discharging its responsibilities.

It stressed that the idea of smearing hard-built reputations and careers does no one any good as the media ought to demonstrate their impartiality and not sully their reputation for whatever gains.

“We wish to categorically state that the Clerk to the National Assembly should be allowed to finish his tenure as stated in the service rules and interpreted by the Head of Service whose role in interpreting the National Assembly’s service age in 2020 cannot be forgotten in a jiffy.

“February 14th, 2023 is by the corner, hence we call on all hands to be on deck in contributing their quota to see that the Clerk to the National Assembly discharges his duty in the interest of the country,” said the Coalition.

The Coalition was represented at the briefing by Mr. Okonkwo Emman of the Centre for Public Accountability and Transparency (CPAT); Mr. Boniface Clement of the Peoples Alliance for Indigenous Rights (PAIR); Ms. Jovita Jude of the Society for Civic and Gender Equity (SoCEGE); and Mr. Kanjal Awam of the Partnership for Good Governance (PGG).