By JKNewsMedia
THE FAILURE to enforce constitutional provisions on tenure in the National Assembly Service has raised concerns over discipline and effective governance within the system.
Frequent disregard for statutory laws, particularly by senior officials reluctant to vacate office at the end of their tenure, has led to internal divisions and operational inefficiencies.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio called out these lapses while addressing the outgoing Chairman of the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC), Engr. Ahmed Kadi Amshi, during a farewell visit on Monday.
He criticised the commission for failing to apply the law strictly, enabling officials to overstay their tenure and fostering unnecessary politics within the service.
Akpabio noted incidents where officials ignored directives to proceed on terminal leave or hand over responsibilities, stating, “When indiscipline is allowed to creep into the system, the system cannot function well.”
He stressed the importance of firm enforcement of tenure laws, adding that delays or reluctance in taking action eroded the commission’s authority and disrupted operational harmony.
Highlighting specific cases, Akpabio mentioned instances where some staff members extended their tenures unconstitutionally, creating divisions within the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN).
He observed that the inaction of the NASC had encouraged such practices, leading to factional conflicts among staff members.
Despite these challenges, Akpabio commended the outgoing chairman and commissioners for their service over the past five years, noting their contributions to the progress of the National Assembly.
“It is a day of mixed feelings,” Akpabio remarked, praising Engr. Amshi’s leadership and calm approach to navigating the commission’s responsibilities.
In his response, Engr. Amshi presented a detailed two-volume report on the achievements of his administration and thanked the Senate leadership for its support.
“We are exiting as satisfied individuals, knowing we contributed our quota to the development of our nation,” Amshi stated.
The outgoing chairman’s tenure included advancements in staff management, training, and motivation, aligning with the commission’s mandate to enhance legislative operations.
He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve, attributing the commission’s successes to collaboration with the National Assembly leadership.
Amshi also said that the farewell event served as a platform for reflection on the need for systemic reforms and stricter adherence to laws to ensure efficient administration within the National Assembly Service.
