THE National Assembly Service Commission (NASC), yesterday, rejected a directive from Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki to reverse the appointment of Mr. Mohammed Sani – Omolori, as the new acting Clerk to the National Assembly (CNA).
The commission had last Wednesday, appointed Sani-Omolori, clerk of the House of Representatives, as the acting CNA to replace outgoing clerk, Salisu Maikasuwa, who will proceed on terminal leave on May 14.
But, Saraki said Maikasuwa was expected to be succeeded by his deputy, Mr. Benedict Efeturi, in an acting capacity until August when he is expected to proceed on his own terminal leave.
The Senate President directed the commission to withdraw the letter of appointment already issued to Sani-Omolori, and write a fresh one for Efeturi immediately.
However, NASC Executive Chairman, Mr. Adamu Fika, in a letter addressed to Saraki, said it was not possible because it would be improper to do so being that Sani – Omolori was senior to Efeturi, who is also not supposed to be appointed in acting capacity since he would retire soon.
Fika said: “I wish to refer to your letter on the above subject matter issued on your behalf by your Chief of Staff, Senator Isa Galaudu. The letter was instructing the executive chairman, National Assembly Service Commission to withdraw the letter appointing Mr. Mohammed A. Sani-Omolori as the acting clerk of the National Assembly for the period that the incumbent clerk to the National Assembly will be on pre-retirement leave from May 14 to August 14, 2016.
“The above decision was taken at the commission’s 440th meeting held on April 20, 2016.
“The commission took into account the fact that Efeturi will himself proceed on his pre-retirement leave on August 20, 2016, 12 days before the incumbent clerk will be due to hand over to his successor.
“This means that Efeturi is time barred for the acting appointment.
“Hence, the choice of Mr. Sani-Omolori to act and ensure continuity in that very important public service office where he will serve for the next five years.”
Fika said he did not even use his voting right in arriving at the commission’s decision, because 11 commissioners were in support of the decision.
“It should be noted that in Nigeria public service, seniority is determined at the time of consideration for promotion and career progression chart leading to it.
“Seniority is never decided by the date of appointment to the service nor date of retirement.”