President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has condemned the recurring trend of bureaucrats within the National Assembly extending their stay in office beyond their statutory years of service.
He urged the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC) to act decisively in upholding the rules governing tenure and retirement.
Akpabio made these remarks during a courtesy visit by the outgoing Chairman of the NASC, Engineer Ahmed Kadi Amshi, and members of the commission on Monday.
Addressing the delegation, Akpabio expressed dissatisfaction with the reluctance of some senior officials, including clerks and directors, to exit office at the appropriate time. He noted that such practices undermine the integrity of the system and disrupt the orderly functioning of the National Assembly.
“The refusal of some officials to proceed on terminal leave or retire at the expiration of their service years is unacceptable and must stop,” Akpabio said. “This habit introduces unnecessary politics into the administration, creating factions and weakening the system’s credibility.”
He called on the NASC to rise to its responsibility and enforce service expiration rules, ensuring that no individual overstays their tenure.
Akpabio attributed the politicization of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) and other administrative challenges to the failure of the NASC to enforce discipline.
He warned against the dangers of allowing a culture of impunity to thrive, noting that it could destabilize the legislative arm.
“We must ensure that rules are followed. Provisions in letters of appointment and statutory regulations must be respected,” he stated.
Akpabio revealed plans to amend the NASC Establishment Act to strengthen collaboration between the commission and the leadership of the National Assembly. This, he said, would enhance discipline and promote efficiency.
“Our aim is to build a system that prioritizes service delivery and accountability. We cannot allow a few individuals to derail this vision,” he emphasized.
Ahmed Amshi, the outgoing NASC Chairman, commended the Senate President for his leadership and support during his tenure. He disclosed that he and five of the six National Commissioners would be concluding their terms on February 7, 2025, marking the end of their five-year service.
Amshi highlighted some of the achievements of his tenure and expressed hope that the incoming leadership would continue to build on the foundation laid by the commission.
Akpabio urged the commission to ensure a seamless transition and uphold the principles of fairness and transparency in its operations. He expressed optimism that with the planned reforms, the National Assembly would set a standard for accountability and efficiency in public service.
The Senate President’s remarks reflect a renewed commitment to strengthening governance within the National Assembly and addressing systemic issues that have hindered its growth.