Chairman of the National Assembly Service Commission, Alhaji Adamu Fika has explained that Alhaji Mohammed Sani Omolori was appointed to succeed the outgoing Clerk to the National Assembly, Alhaji Salisu Maikasuwa because he (Omolori) still has longer years to offer before he retires.
In a memorandum, he submitted to the 440th meeting of the Commission held on April 20, Fika explained that the deputy Clerk, Mr. Benedict Efeturi who is supposed to succeed Maikasuwa would proceed on retirement leave on August 2.
He said that in conformity with the convention and practices of the service, no officer who has less than six months to retire would act in higher office.
“Mr. Benedict Efeturi, who presently acts as Deputy Clerk to National Assembly, will also proceed on his three months terminal leave on 2nd August, 2016 days before the end of the current Clerk’s terminal leave.
“It is neither expedient nor in conformity with convention and practices of the Service for an officer who has less than six months left to retire from service to act in a higher office.
“Mr. Mohammed Sani-Omolori, the present Clerk of the House of Representatives who therefore remains the next most senior officer in the services of the National Assembly will remain in service till 2021.”
Meanwhile, the Act establishing National Assembly Service Commission, as amended indicates that its action is not subjected to the direction of any authority or person in considering anybody for appointment.
Section 6 (8) of the Act says: “In exercising its power to make appointments or exercise disciplinary control over persons, the Commission shall not be subjected to the direction or control of any authority or person.” [myad]
