Saraki rejects new clerk of national assembly

Senate President Bukola Saraki has directed the national assembly service commission to withdraw the appointment of Mohammed Sani-Omolori as acting clerk of the assembly.

The appointment of Sani-Omolori was announced on Wednesday, but he was to assume office on May 13, replacing Salisu Maikasuwa who will commence his pre-retirement leave on May 14.

But in a letter written by Isa Galadau, chief of staff to Saraki, to Adamu Fika, chairman of the commission, and seen by TheCable, the senate president said he was misled and misinformed by Fika.

He opined that Benedict Efeturi, deputy clerk of the national assembly, who once acted as clerk, ought to have been the head of the bureaucracy of the legislature based on seniority.

“We present to you the compliments of the president of the senate and chairman of the national assembly, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki, CON. Please recall that during your last meeting with the senate president on April 20, 2016, the procedure of the appointment of the acting clerk of the national assembly was discussed,” the letter read.

“The commission was directed to follow due process and ensure that seniority is adhered to. Of course, Mr Benedict Efeturi who is deputy clerk of the national assembly (DCNA) and who has previously acted as the clerk of the national assembly should be the first to be considered.

“The president of the senate and the speaker of the house of representatives were informed that Mr. Efeturi was not considered for the appointment because he was not duly appointed as deputy clerk of the national assembly.

“On further enquiry, we found out that he was duly appointed by the National Assembly Service Commission vide extract from minutes of its 403rd meeting held on Friday, 21st November, 2014.

“From the foregoing, you have misled and misinformed the president of the senate and speaker of the house of representatives.

“Consequently, I am directed by His Excellency, the senate president, to inform you that the letter appointing Mr Sani-Omolori as acting clerk of the national assembly be withdrawn immediately for further consultations.”