A report by the Nation claims that a fresh crisis is brewing in the National assembly over tenure elongation for several principal officers of the House, including the Clerk.
According to the report, these officials had their tenure elongated by former officials of the National Assembly Service Commission.
The condition of service for staff of the National Assembly was ammended as the 8th Assembly was on its way out.
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The Bill tilted, ‘Retirement Age and Conditions of Service’ ammended the required years of service for staff members from 35 to 40 years. The bill also increased the retirement age from 60 to 65.
The bill was passed by both chambers of the house and implemented even though the President was yet to assent to it.
Due to the implementation of the ‘rogue bill’ the clerk and other senior members that should have retired, have had their service tenure elongated by another four or five years.
The clerk should have retired last year as his service mates recruited in 1985 have all retired from the civil service.
The report further alleged that Senate President Ahmed Lawan and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila have ordered an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the rogue change in service conditions for National Assembly Staff.
Reacting however, Director of Information for the National Assembly, Emmanuel Agada said the amendment of service conditions for staff members does not require Presidential assent to be operational.
He said further that National Assemble staff were not under civil service rules and regulations. As such they are regarded as public servants because the legislature is an independent arm of Government.
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