N’assembly clerk: CSOs allege plot to influence appointment process

A coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) says some people are working to create confusion in the hierarchy of the national assembly.

The coalition was reacting to reports that there is an alleged plot to appoint one Sanni Magaji Tambuwal, the current secretary of the finance and accounts department, as the new clerk of the national assembly.

Ojo Olatunde, current clerk of the assembly, is billed to retire in the first quarter of 2023.

The CSOs are Centre for Public Accountability and Transparency (CPAT), Peoples Alliance for Indigenous Rights (PAIR), Society for Civic and Gender Equity (SoCEGE), and Partnership for Good Governance (PGG).

Speaking on Sunday at a media briefing in Abuja, Okonkwo Emman, CPAT’s coordinator who spoke on behalf of the coalition, said the idea that only certain categories of staff can perform the clerk’s duty “has no basis in law”.

“This briefing is in response to certain media reports that there are attempts to subvert the process for the appointment of a clerk of the national assembly,” Emman said.

“The CNA as we all know has already given a notice of three 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 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 geopolitical 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.

“We wish to categorically state that the CNA 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 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 its duty in the interest of the country.”