...Warns Against Indiscipline, Illegal Picketing
The Clerk to the National Assembly (CNA), Mr. Kamaru Ogunlana, on Monday declared open a three-day capacity building programme for Directors of the National Assembly in Kano, emphasizing the need for stronger institutional discipline, improved corporate governance and sustained staff welfare.
Speaking at the event held in Kano, Ogunlana who was represented by Deputy Clerk of the National Assembly, Engr. Bashir Aminu Yero,
described the training themed: “Leadership Masterclass for Effective Corporate Governance” as timely and crucial for strengthening professionalism within one of the world’s largest legislative bureaucracies.
He noted that the National Assembly currently has over 4,000 staff, including more than 200 directors who hold strategic administrative and technical roles. Despite what he called the “most experienced and most educated workforce in the history of the institution,” he said management remains committed to continuous training. According to him, over 3,000 staff and legislative aides have undergone various capacity-building sessions this year alone, including several international programmes.
Ogunlana highlighted key welfare achievements since he assumed office in February, including the settlement of outstanding salary arrears, prompt payment of staff and aides, regular departmental imprest, payment of first 28-day allowances to new staff and aides, procurement of utility vehicles, and major upgrades to the National Assembly Clinic.
He also disclosed plans to secure institutional ownership of the National Assembly complexes in Lagos and Abuja, as well as reforms to ensure adequate pension and gratuity for retirees.
Acknowledging long-standing complaints among directors, such as stalled promotions, inappropriate reporting lines and inadequate office accommodation, the CNA appealed for patience, noting that some solutions depend on budgetary improvements. He praised the formation of the National Assembly Forum of Directors, describing it as part of efforts to democratize decision-making.
Ogunlana, however, issued a stern warning over what he described as recent “misinformed and illegal attempts” by some staff to picket the National Assembly.
He said intelligence revealed that the organizers, including three GL09 officers and about 75 contributors, among them a Director, opened a bank account to mobilize funds for the protest. The account, he said, has been frozen and contributors are under investigation for potential prosecution.
He dismissed allegations against management, including interference in union matters and short-payment of salaries, as “baseless and entirely false.” Ogunlana reminded directors of their responsibility to uphold discipline, enforce service rules and maintain decorum in line with the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act.
“As senior officers, you must safeguard the institution by modelling the right standards,” he said, describing any disruption to legislative activities as a threat to national security.
The CNA thanked the organizers, resource persons and participants for their efforts and declared the programme open, urging directors to fully engage in discussions and derive maximum benefit from the training.
