Group condemns proposed bill restricting appointment of n’assembly clerk

The Concerned Yoruba Youth of Nigeria has condemned the proposed bill by Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the house representatives, that mandates only individuals who have served with the chambers to be appointed as the clerk of the national assembly (CNA).

In January, Abbas announced sponsorship of bills seeking to amend the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC) Act to “ensure merit and transparency” in the appointment of the clerk to the national assembly.

Speaking at a press conference in Lagos, Oluwasegun Thompson, the national president of the group, and Ayofemi Badmus, its national secretary, said the proposed bill is discrimination against well-meaning Nigerians who are qualified to serve as the clerk.

The group said looking at other democratic nations, it is evident that flexibility in such appointments allows for the selection of the most qualified individuals, regardless of their specific roles within the legislative framework.

“We are aware that the clerk of the national assembly plays a very important role in the functioning of the national assembly, overseeing administrative duties, providing procedural advice, and ensuring the implementation of legislative decisions,” the group said.

“It is a role that requires a deep understanding of parliamentary procedures, administrative acumen, and strong leadership skills. However, from our view, these qualities are not exclusive to individuals who have served within the chambers.

“While the objective of the bill may seem commendable on the surface, a deeper examination of the bill reveals several concerns that cannot be overlooked.

“First and foremost, after careful examination, we discovered that the bill appears to be discriminatory and clearly violates the terms of service that many National Assembly Service Commission (NASC) staff were employed under.

“The speaker and members of the house of representatives should be reminded that hundreds of committed employees of the National Assembly Service Commission have tirelessly devoted their lives to ensuring the legislature runs smoothly. Many of these people have devoted decades to honing their skills, becoming experts in the legislative process, and making significant contributions to the National Assembly’s expansion.

“However, it is believed that the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC) was established to oversee the administrative functions of the national assembly, which further includes the appointment, promotion, and discipline of its staff. The commission’s mandate has always been to ensure an efficient, professional, and non-partisan workforce that supports the legislative arm of government.

“By restricting the appointment of the CNA solely to individuals who have served within the chambers, the proposed bill obviously undermines the very essence of the NASC’s role and the career progression of its staff.

“Indeed, the Concerned Yoruba Youth of Nigeria believes that the appointment of the Clerk to the National Assembly (CNA) should be based on competence, experience, and merit. The current system no doubt opens the floor for a large pool of qualified candidates, including those who have served in various capacities within the national assembly’s administrative framework.

“But by narrowing the eligibility criteria with the new proposed bill, we risk excluding individuals who possess the requisite institutional knowledge and skills, solely because they have not served directly within the chambers. Moreover, the bill raises legal and ethical questions. It is essential to consider whether such a restriction aligns with the principles of fairness and equal opportunity enshrined in our nation’s constitution.

“Discriminatory practices, whether intentional or not, have no place In a democratic society that values inclusivity and equal rights. Furthermore, we also believe that the proposed bill could have a detrimental effect on the morale of NASC staff. These individuals have dedicated their careers to supporting the legislative process, often without public recognition.

“To now suggest that their contributions are insufficient for consideration for the role of CAN is both disheartening and unjust. Historically, the position of CNA has been occupied by individuals from diverse professional backgrounds within the National Assembly’s workforce. This diversity has enriched the leadership of the assembly, bringing various perspectives and expertise to the role. The proposed bill threatens to erode this tradition by imposing unnecessary limitations on eligibility status.”

The group further noted that the proposed bill moves in the opposite direction by creating an exclusive criterion that limits opportunities for deserving individuals.

The group called on the speaker of the house of representatives to halt the bill with immediate effect.