National Assembly Commission Replies Saraki: Omolori Will Remain Senate Clerk

The National Assembly Service Commission says there is no basis for withdrawing the appointment of the newly appointed acting Clerk of the National Assembly (NASS), Alhaji Mohammed Sani-Omolori.The Executive Chairman of the commission, Dr. Adamu Fika, said this in a letter he sent to the President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, and copied to Speaker of the House of Reps, Yakubu Dogara.

Fika said that the decision to appoint Sani-Omolori as acting Clerk instead of the current Deputy Clerk was because he would himself proceed on Terminal leave on August 2.

He added that the date on which Mr Efeturi would proceed on terminal leave was just 12 days before the current Clerk, Mr Salisu Maikasuwa, would hand over to his successor.

“This means that Mr 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.

“In arriving at the Commission’s decision, the Chairman did not use his casting vote, because eleven Commissioners were in support while only one who voted no,” he said.

He clarified that the denial of Efeturi the position of acting Clerk was not due to the allegation that he (Efeturi) was not duely appointed as Deputy Clerk as contained in Saraki’s letter.

On the issue of seniority, he noted that the duo were both appointed acting clerk on the same day, February 4, 2010, and on March 25, they were also appointed Substantive Clerks.

He also revealed that Omolori was made a Director on January 1, 2007, one year earlier than Efeturi who was made a Director on January 1, 2008.

“It should be noted that in the Nigeria public service, seniority is determined at the time of consideration for promotion and career progression chart leading to it."