Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Ibrahim Ramalan
Published on 2024-02-23 07:29:18
The Senate has rejected the controversial bill seeking to extend the service year for employees of the National Assembly by an additional five years. The bill, which had been passed at the House of Representatives, was declined for concurrence by the Senate on Thursday at plenary. There were mixed reactions amongst lawmakers in the Senate after the Senate Leader, Sen. Opeyemi Bamidele (APC-Ekiti) introduced the bill for concurrence.
While Sen. Sumaila Kawu (NNPP Kano) spoke in support of the bill, others, including Senators Enyinnaya Abaribe (APGA-Abia) and Ali Ndume (APC Borno), expressed reservations over the bill, saying that it would cause disaffection in the Nigerian civil service.
Mr. Abaribe said he was against the passage of the bill because there was no difference between a staff of the National Assembly who has special knowledge as Director of Finance and a Director of Finance in the Federal Ministry of Finance. He also compared the retirement age for University Lecturers and Judicial Officials to the officers of the National Assembly, questioning the difference between a Finance Director in the National Assembly and one in the Ministry of Finance. He emphasized the need to adhere to the rules of public service retirement age in Nigeria.
Mr. Ndume reiterated the contentious nature of the bill and urged the lawmakers to be careful in processing it. He urged his colleagues to repudiate the bill for further consultation. Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, after his ruling, declared that the bill was repudiated because it was controversial. However, the bill has raised heated discussions and debates among the lawmakers in the Senate.
The rejection of the bill by the Senate marks a significant decision in the Nigerian legislative landscape. It shows the willingness of the lawmakers to engage in thorough debate and consideration before passing important bills and legislation. The decision also highlights the importance of upholding the integrity and fairness of the Nigerian civil service system.
The rejection of the bill allows for further dialogue and consultation among the lawmakers and stakeholders. It also serves as a reminder of the need for careful consideration of the implications and consequences of proposed legislation. The bill’s rejection reflects the Senate’s commitment to upholding the values of transparency, accountability, and fairness in the governance and legislative process.
The decision also sends a strong message to the public and the Nigerian civil service that the Senate is dedicated to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that legislation serves the best interests of the Nigerian people. The rejection of the bill demonstrates the Senate’s commitment to responsible governance and legislative oversight.
As the lawmakers engage in further dialogue and consultation, it is important for them to consider the diverse perspectives and concerns raised regarding the bill. The rejection of the bill provides an opportunity for the Senate to engage in constructive debate and explore alternative approaches to addressing the issues at hand.
In conclusion, the rejection of the bill seeking to extend the service year for employees of the National Assembly by an additional five years by the Senate is a significant decision that reflects the commitment to upholding the integrity and fairness of the Nigerian civil service system. It underscores the importance of engaging in thorough debate and consultation before passing important legislation. The decision also provides an opportunity for the Senate to explore alternative approaches and engage in constructive dialogue to address the issues raised by the proposed bill.
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