Politics
Crisis brews in Ogun Assembly over appointment of clerk
There is unrest among both career employees and political officials at the Ogun State House of Assembly regarding the appointment of a new Clerk.
The tension arose following the retirement of the House Clerk, Adedeji Adeyemo, in early March, and the assembly’s failure to announce a successor since then.
There are suspicions that the delay is part of a government strategy to appoint a non-legislative staff member as the clerk of the house.
Traditionally, the most senior career employee in the legislative branch holds a position akin to the Head of Service, operating under the executive arm’s control.
This position is subject to the governor’s appointment but must be chosen from the current senior civil servants.
Employees at the assembly believe that they should have the opportunity to ascend to this position, having dedicated many years to government service in the legislative branch.
Additionally, like several other states, Ogun State established a House of Assembly Service Commission during the 8th House of Assembly, as per a law signed by former Governor Ibikunle Amosun.
According to this law, the most senior legislative staff member should assume the role of House clerk at all times, subject to confirmation by the assembly through a resolution.
Investigations reveal that this law has led to the appointment of Deputy Clerks as clerks in several states, including Taraba, Zamfara, Delta, Osun, Bayelsa, Kaduna, Ondo, Kano, Cross River, Gombe, Lagos, Oyo, and Ekiti.
Current discussions with assembly staff suggest apprehension that the government might appoint a non-legislative staff member as the clerk, leading to discontent among the workers.
Several staff members have expressed their concerns to the Speaker, but his response was unsatisfactory, indicating a readiness to support whoever the governor chooses for the position.
However, they argue that adherence to the law is crucial, especially given a previous court ruling affirming the authority of the House of Assembly Service Commission in staff appointments and control.
The issue has caused divisions among legislators, with some advocating for the preservation of the House of Assembly Service Commission’s law, while others suggest that qualified civil servants from outside the assembly could also serve as clerks.
A court ruling in 2020 reinforced the importance of following the state’s House of Assembly law in staff appointments and related matters, emphasizing the authority of the House of Assembly Service Commission.
Efforts to reach the House Speaker and the Chairman of the House Committee on Communication for comments on the matter were unsuccessful, as they did not respond to calls or messages.
Former House of Representatives member, Hon. Sylvester Ogbaga, has officially stepped down from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Ogbaga, who represented the Abakiliki/lsu federal constituency of Ebonyi State from 1999 to 2023, made this announcement through a resignation letter dated April 24, 2024. The letter was addressed to the Chairman of the PDP Anmegu Enyigba ward and was also sent to the local government area (LGA) and state chairmen of the party.
In his resignation letter, Ogbaga stated, “I am writing to officially inform you of my resignation from the PDP. After careful evaluation and consideration of the current political climate within the party, I have decided to take a step back. Since 1998, I have remained a steadfast member of the PDP, contributing significantly to its growth with unwavering dedication and support.”
He emphasized that his decision to resign was personal and expressed gratitude for the leadership and support he received within the party. Ogbaga concluded his letter by wishing the PDP well in its future endeavors.
The Forum of All Progressives Congress State Chairmen has expressed full support for the party’s national chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, by passing a vote of confidence in him.
A delegation comprising 37 state party chairmen asserted that there was an attempted coup to oust Ganduje from his position as APC National Chairman, but it was unsuccessful.
This declaration was made during a solidarity visit to the party’s secretariat in Abuja, where they reaffirmed their loyalty to Ganduje.
The acting chairman of the forum and Lagos APC chairman, Cornelius Ojelabi, stated that they stand firmly behind Ganduje and are prepared to defend him against any external threats.
“We want to assure you that you remain the leader of our party. The individuals who announced your removal were not recognized members of the party to begin with. We will not allow you to face the same embarrassment as former chairmen of the party.”
“What they attempted was akin to a coup, but their efforts have been thwarted. Our presence here signifies our unwavering support for you at all times,” he emphasized.
Following the inability of the Southeast governors to conduct Local Government elections in their respective States, the Africa Democratic Congress (ADC) has threatened a legal action against them if the situation remains the same in the next 60 days.
National Vice Chairman of the party, Southeast zone,Chilos Godsent disclosed this in a communiqué he released to newsmen after the 2024 annual zonal retreat of the party held at Awka, Anambra State.
ADC also requested the governors to “reconstitute fund and mandate the respective State Independent Electoral Commission to publish the timetable for Local Government Council Election in their respective states.
Godsent argued that the non existence of Democratic Local Government system violates Section 7 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. (Daily Sun)
CREDIT: News Express
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