SPECIAL REPORT

By Christiana Ekpa

While it is no longer news that the recent appointment of Sani Magaji Tambuwal as Clerk of the National Assembly was trailed with controversy as a result of alleged irregularities, despite warnings from some quarters, concerns have continued to mount over the alleged breached of National Assembly Service Commission Act (NASC) by bypassing other senior officers of the Assembly Management to appoint him as the administrative head legislature. Accordingly to sources, the decision of NASC does not reflect the criteria for appointment and promotions in the service.

The source who did not want his name in print said that many officials in the National Assembly kicked against the plan when they learnt Tambuwal was being considered for the position because, according to them,”the implications for the Commission’s decision has placed limitations on others to the extent that if you can not buy your way in, you won’t get what is rightfully yours”

NASC had allegedly breached its Act by bypassing other senior officers of the National Assembly to appoint Tambuwal as the Clerk of the National Assembly, the source insisted.

Tambuwal, who will serve in acting capacity till his confirmation, replaces the former CNA, Olatunde Ojo, who was asked to proceed on the required threemonths pre-retirement leave – ahead of the retirement date of February 2023.

Until his appointment, the new clerk who hails from Sokoto was the secretary to the directorate of finance and accounts in the National Assembly.

NASC allegedly ‘bypassed’ the next in rank, Chinedu Akabueze, the Clerk of the Senate, and three others, to appoint Mr Tambuwal thus breaching Section 6 of the Act establishing the Commission.

The line of hierarchy for appointments in Section 6(1)(b) of the Act is– clerk to the National Assembly, deputy clerk to the National Assembly, clerk of the Senate, clerk of the House of Representatives, deputy clerk of the Senate, deputy clerk of the House and secretaries to the directorates and then holders of other offices.

Akabueze became the next senior legislative officer to Mr Ojo following the earlier retirement of the Deputy Clerk to the National Assembly (DCNA), Bala Yabani.

Also, Section 14(5) of the Act provides that “consideration shall be given to seniority, cognate experience, competence, or federal character.”

In a letter announcing Tambuwal’s appointment, Ahmed Amshi, the NASC chairman, said it was done in recognition of his hardwork and administrative competence. He also said it is in line with Section 6(b) of the NASC Act.

However, a Committee clerk who does not want his name mentioned, told Weekend People Daily that “a bad example has been layed and going forward, people will do whatever it takes to buy themselves what they desires and not deserved and you and I know this spells doom for upcoming Clerks of National Assembly

According to him, “Many officials kicked against the plan when they learnt he was being considered for the position against Akabueze who is the next legislative officer in line, while Tambuwal is an administrative officer.”

He clearly told Weekend Peoples Daily that the CNA position was supposed to be between Akabueze and Dr Yahaya DanZaria who all the staff were hoping