Politics

NASS Urged To Halt Bill Seeking To Discriminate Against National Assembly Staff On CNA post

Published

12 months ago

February 12, 2025

…Vows to occupy Abuja

The Concerned Yoruba Youth of Nigeria has condemned the proposed bill by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, that mandates only individuals who have served with the chambers to be appointed as the Clerk to the National Assembly (CNA).

Speaking at a press conference in Lagos, the National President of the group, Oluwasegun Thompson, and its National Secretary, Ayofemi Badmus, said the proposed bill is a discrimination to well-meaning Nigerians that qualified to serve as the Clerk.

It said: “We are aware that the Clerk of the National Assembly plays a very important role in the functioning of the National Assembly, overseeing administrative duties, providing procedural advice, and ensuring the implementation of legislative decisions.

“It is a role that requires a deep understanding of parliamentary procedures, administrative acumen, and strong leadership skills. However, from our view, these qualities are not exclusive to individuals who have served within the chambers.

“While the objective of the bill may seem commendable on the surface, a deeper examination of the bill reveals several concerns that cannot be overlooked.

“First and foremost, after careful examination, we discovered that the bill appears to be discriminatory and clearly violates the terms of service that many National Assembly Service Commission (NASC) staff were employed under.

“The Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives should be reminded that hundreds of committed employees of the National Assembly Service Commission have tirelessly devoted their lives to ensuring the legislature runs smoothly.

“Many of these people have devoted decades to honing their skills, becoming experts in the legislative process, and making significant contributions to the National Assembly’s expansion.

“However, It is believed that the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC) was established to oversee the administrative functions of the National Assembly, which further includes the appointment, promotion, and discipline of its staff.

“The commission’s mandate has always been to ensure an efficient, professional, and non-partisan workforce that supports the legislative arm of government.

“By restricting the appointment of the CNA solely to individuals who have served within the chambers, the proposed bill obviously undermines the very essence of the NASC’s role and the career progression of its staff.

“Indeed, the Concerned Yoruba Youth of Nigeria believes that the appointment of the Clerk to the National Assembly (CNA) should be based on competence, experience, and merit.

“The current system no doubt opens the floor for a large pool of qualified candidates, including those who have served in various capacities within the National Assembly’s administrative framework.

“But by narrowing the eligibility criteria with the new proposed Bill, we risk excluding individuals who possess the requisite institutional knowledge and skills, solely because they have not served directly within the chambers.

“Moreover, the bill raises legal and ethical questions. It is essential to consider whether such a restriction aligns with the principles of fairness and equal opportunity enshrined in our nation’s constitution.

“Discriminatory practices, whether intentional or not, have no place In a democratic society that values inclusivity and equal rights.

“Furthermore, we also believe that the proposed bill could have a detrimental effect on the morale of NASC staff. These individuals have dedicated their careers to supporting the legislative process, often without public recognition.

“To now suggest that their contributions are insufficient for consideration for the role of CAN is both disheartening and unjust. Historically, the position of CNA has been occupied by individuals from diverse professional backgrounds within the National Assembly’s workforce.

“This diversity has enriched the leadership of the Assembly, bringing various perspectives and expertise to the role. The proposed bill threatens to erode this tradition by imposing unnecessary limitations on eligibility status.

“However, when we look at other democratic nations, it is evident that flexibility in such appointments allows for the selection of the most qualified individuals, regardless of their specific roles within the legislative framework.

“This approach ensures that meritocracy prevails and that the best candidates are chosen to uphold the integrity of the legislative process. Inclusivity is a cornerstone of any progressive society, and embracing a wide range of experiences and backgrounds, we strengthen our institutions and promote a culture of excellence.

“The proposed bill, however, moves us in the opposite direction by creating an exclusive criterion that limits opportunities for deserving individuals. Perhaps, It’s also critical to take into account the legislation’s unforeseen repercussions.

“For competent people who want to hold leadership roles in the National Assembly’s administrative structure, the restriction on eligibility for the CAN position may unintentionally result in a talent pipeline bottleneck. This limitation further produces a homogenous leadership that is devoid of the variety of perspectives and backgrounds required for creativity and flexibility.

“Therefore, thorough talks with legal experts, all stakeholders, including NASC staff, and civil society organizations are essential before implementing such large reforms. We believe that by taking an inclusive approach, all viewpoints would be taken into account and any law passed would be in the best interests of the country.

“Evidently, natural justice dictates that individuals should have the opportunity to advance in their careers based on merit and performance. But as we observed, the proposed bill contravene this principle by imposing arbitrary restrictions that are unrelated to an individual’s capabilities or contributions.

“To introduce a restriction that favors only those with chamber experience is a blatant act of exclusion, which, if allowed to stand, will breed discontent, discourage merit-based progression, and ultimately weaken the institution. Such a restriction may also lead to perceptions of bias or favoritism, undermining public confidence in the impartiality and fairness of the National Assembly’s administrative appointments.

“Nevertheless, upholding the integrity of our institutions requires that we promote policies that are fair, inclusive, and merit-based. The proposed bill, however, undermines these principles by introducing discriminatory criteria that do not serve the best interests of the National Assembly or the nation.

“Indeed, we believe that if this Bill is passed into law, it will not only create unnecessary division within the National Assembly workforce, but will also set a dangerous precedent that could be replicated across other public service institutions. This is unacceptable and must be resisted by all well-meaning Nigerians.

“Perhaps, we are convinced that the drafter of this Bill did not put the wider implications of their proposal in proper consideration. Legal issues, industrial discontent, and a general decline in trust in the National Assembly system could result from such a move if passed into law.

“We must prevent the emergence of such a preventable calamity. In addition to being discriminatory, this bill directly violates the fundamental values of competence, professional advancement, and institutional justice.

“Nonetheless, we are confident that the House of Representatives, as a critical arm of government, will listen to reasons, and reconsider this ill-advised Bill. The legislature must remain a place where merit and competence take precedence over restrictive and discriminatory policies.

“Therefore, we call on the speaker of the House of Representatives to stepdown this Bill with immediate effect. We further all well-meaning lawmakers to resist every evil attempt to manipulate the career structure of National Assembly Service Commission for sectional or personal gains.”

Politics

RSHA continues impeachment of Fubara, writes Chief Judge

Published

3 weeks ago

January 16, 2026

Daily Mirror

The Rivers House of Assembly has continued its resolution to impeach Gov. Siminalaye Fubara and his deputy, Nma Odu.

All 26 members of the Assembly on Friday unanimously resolved during plenary to proceed with the impeachment process against both Fubara and Odu.

Consequently, the lawmakers resolved to write to the Chief Judge(CJ) of the State, as enshrined in Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

They are urging the CJ to constitute a seven-man investigative panel to examine the alleged gross misconduct leveled against the governor and his deputy.

Politics

Sen. Yari’s constituency office lauds APC e-registration exercise in Zamfara

Published

4 weeks ago

January 9, 2026

Daily Mirror

Hon. Sha’ayau Sarkinfawa, the Coordinator, Sen.. Abdul’aziz Yari Constituency office for Zamfara West Senatorial District, has commended the ongoing nationwide membership e-registration exercise of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Sarkinfawa, who stated this while speaking with journalists in Gusau on Thursday, stated that the exercise would promote integrity and credibility in the party membership.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the APC nationwide e-registration exercise commenced recently and would run until the end of this month.

He described the exercise as the bedrock for internal democracy.

“The APC e-registration would strength the party’s membership.

“The ongoing APC e-registration exercise is a wise political initiative and imperative determined to upgrade the data of the progressive party members electorally,” Sarkinfawa further said.

He commended President Bola Tinubu for making the APC proud and wished him more strength ahead of the 2027 General Elections.

According to him, Yari and the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, had already built a stronger political platform in the APC structure of the state.

“Therefore, we are expecting a tremendous success.at the end of the exercise” he added.

Sarkinfawa further said, the exercise would provide an ample opportunity for all the eligible members of the party to be duly captured in its digital register.

He added, “It will also ensure accuracy, transparency and integrity in the party’s membership.

“The exercise guarantees sanity and credibility of the party’s membership register.

“A data-driven membership registration is expected to capture every eligible member of the party across the 147 political wards of the state.

“Therefore, our members should participate fully in the exercise and make sure they are captured electronically.

“I therefore urge all APC members and stakeholders in the state to take full advantage of the e-registration and participate promptly and responsibly.$

Sarkinfawa further described the APC as the most dominant political party in Zamfara and Nigeria. adding that it would record massive victories in the 2027 General Elections.

Cover

Soludo denies Bianca Ojukwu’s chieftaincy title, calls it fake

Published

1 month ago

January 2, 2026

Daily Mirror

Anambra State Governor Prof Charles Soludo, has disowned the chieftaincy title of ‘Anyanwu N’Awalu Ora’ conferred on the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu, purportedly by the embattled traditional ruler of Awka, Obi Austin Ndigwe, insisting that Ndigwe is not a traditional ruler in Awka or Anambra State.

In a letter dated December 31, 2025 and signed by the state Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, TonyCollins Nwabunwanne, the state government said the conferment of the chieftaincy title on the minister did not follow the right channel.

Nwabunwanne said the conferment of chieftaincy titles in Anambra State is the exclusive prerogative of recognised/certified traditional rulers in their respective communities, and they do so only to residents/indigenes of their communities.

He added that in the case of a person not from the community, the approval of the traditional ruler of the conferee’s community and the Commissioner for Local Government, Communities and Chieftaincy must be sought and obtained.

According to him, this is in line with the extant Traditional Rulers’ Code of Conduct, insisting that none of the above conditions was met in the case of Bianca Ojukwu.

He said the chieftaincy title as posted by Ojukwu on her social handles have caused massive confusion in the camp of the All Progressives Grand Alliance and across the state.

The letter is titled, ‘Amb. Bianca Ojukwu and the fake chieftaincy title from a fake traditional ruler’, was made available to journalists on Thursday.

It read partly, “The attention of the Anambra State Government has been drawn to a publication by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, H.E Amb. Bianca Ojukwu indicating that she has been conferred with a chieftaincy title of ‘Anyanwu N’Awalu Ora’, which according to her was “conferred at the prestigious Igu Aro Cultural Festival by His Majesty Obi Austin Ndigwe (MON).

“Mrs Ojukwu is an APGA chieftain and her posts have caused massive confusion leading many to wonder whether her involvement in the phoney chieftaincy title signals a change in the state government’s policy stance or simply an unnecessary/avoidable affront to the state government and the Anambra traditional institutions and culture.

“As a government committed to law and order and to the promotion and protection of our culture and traditional institutions, the Anambra State Government wishes to clarify and state as follows a) The conferment of chieftaincy titles in Anambra State is the exclusive prerogative of recognized/certified traditional rulers in their respective communities, and they do so only to residents/indigenes of their communities.

“In the case of a person not from the community, the approval of the Traditional Ruler of the conferee’s community and the Commissioner for Local Government, Communities and Chieftaincy must be sought and obtained. This is in line with the extant Traditional Rulers’ Code of Conduct. None of the above conditions was met in the case under reference.

“Chief Austin C. Ndigwe IS NOT a traditional ruler in Awka or Anambra State. To put it mildly, he is simply an impostor. We have sighted a letter signed by him under a letterhead as the “Eze Uzu III” of Awka (a clear criminal offence under the Anambra Law) when the traditional ruler of Awka, HRH Gibson Nwabueze Nwosu (Eze Uzu II) is still alive, and with the official certificate and recognition by government as the traditional ruler of Awka.

“The 92-year-old Eze Uzu Awka is known to be the first Nigerian that flew a fighter jet solo. He was Second in Command in the Biafran Air Force who left with Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu to Cote d’Ivoire and later to Zambia— and was in exile for 15 years. It was this same Eze Uzu Gibson Nwosu who in 2004 conferred the chieftaincy title of OMENIFE AWKA on the current president of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

“Sadly, it is this aged veteran, now blind but still agile, who this dance of infamy is denigrating as well as insulting the sensitivities of Awka people and the Anambra traditions and culture. Even the late Dim Odumegwu-Ojukwu will be turning in his grave at this unwarranted insult on HRH Gibson Nwosu designed just to wet some megalomaniacal appetite. In the Anambra/Igbo culture, this is an abomination.

“Hon Minister Ojukwu—with her background and pedigree, knows or should know these FACTS very well. She was in the home of Chief Ndigwe when the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, attended his birthday celebration a few years ago and publicly advised him “as a friend” to desist from impersonating the traditional ruler of the town and that the recognised traditional ruler remained HRH Gibson Nwosu.

“The video went viral. Indeed, in her publication in her verified Facebook account, Mrs Ojukwu carefully avoided referring to Mr. Ndigwe as a traditional ruler but rather described him as “Supreme Commander of Awka Ancient Kingdom”—a phantom title/position that does not exist in Awka.

“We do not object to whatever pet name she chooses to call her friend to massage his ego, but such must not be elevated to a point of sacrilege against law and custom. The whole exercise appears to be an indirect affront to the authority of the Traditional Ruler of Awka and the sanctity of the Traditional Institution in Anambra State established by the Traditional Rulers Law of Anambra State. By proceeding to describe Mr. Ndigwe conjunctively as “His Majesty” and “Obi”, the message unequivocally evinced an intention to portray and as a matter of fact portrayed him as a Traditional Ruler. This is against the spirit of the Traditional Rulers Law of Anambra State.

“By purporting to confer a chieftaincy title, Mr. Ndigwe usurped the ceremonial functions of the bona fide Traditional Ruler of Awka—HRH Gibson Nwosu—and this is totally unacceptable. Arrogating to oneself the non-existent and childish title of “Supreme Commander” and using same to confer vain Chieftaincy titles is designed to subjugate

the Traditional Ruler and ridicule the Traditional Institution thereby creating a dangerous precedent which the State Government will not allow. The State Government will not tolerate this desecration of the Traditional Institution and will take every lawful step to promote and protect our culture and traditional institutions.

“Amb. Bianca Ojukwu knows that Mr. Ndigwe has neither legal nor customary rights to confer a Chieftaincy title on anyone. She is eminently qualified to be honoured with Chieftaincy titles by recognized traditional institutions—at least, as the wife of late Dim Odumegwu Ojukwu.

“But it cannot be a vain or fake Chieftaincy title from an impostor or fake traditional ruler like Mr. Ndigwe. We therefore state that the Chieftaincy title she purports to have received from Mr. Austin Ndigwe is fake and not recognized under the Anambra culture and tradition or law. She should desist from addressing herself by any such fake title conferred by Mr. Austin Ndigwe.

“In conclusion, Anambra State government wishes to assure our people that it is committed to a new social order. We must restore sensible values and respect for law and order, custom and tradition and ennobling values that elevate our collective social consciousness rather than the nascent subculture that celebrates a few with megalomaniacal delusions and who attempt to play God.

“These few cannot be role models for our children nor the foundation for our future. As a responsible government we must take all necessary steps to protect our collective heritage from willful assault. To the great and law abiding people of Awka, we have your back.”