NASS Staff Say No to Tenure Elongation, Urge Tinubu to Veto

Staff Members of NASS Request Tinubu To Veto The Tenure Extension Bill

The National Assembly (NASS) Tenure Extension Bill was passed by the legislature, but disgruntled staff members have petitioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to veto it.

The law, according to the petitioners, jeopardized parliamentary process openness and presented constitutional issues.

The Foundation for Rights Enforcement Enlightenment and Defense's legal counsel, Akobo Teinye Tonbo Seddon, claims that the bill's contents are counterproductive to justice, equity, and fairness. It jeopardizes the integrity of our democratic institutions and creates a risky precedent.

The petitioners contend that the measure defies the explicit clauses of the constitution that created the National Assembly and specify the duties and compensation of its representatives.

They emphasized that a constitutional amendment is necessary for any modifications to these terms and circumstances.

The resentful employees point out that the measure would potentially contravene a number of Nigerian Constitutional provisions, such as those pertaining to social justice, equality, and freedom from forced labor.

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They emphasized that the bill maintains unfairness and inequality and gives preference to current workers over prospective hires.

The law, according to the staff, also goes against the ideas of checks and balances and the division of powers. They voiced worry that the National Council of Establishment's role is being overlooked by the legislative arm, which is encroaching on the executive arm's authority.

Concerns regarding the bill's self-serving nature were also expressed by the petitioners, who felt that it would favor the National Assembly clerk at the expense of staff welfare and public productivity.

Additionally, the petitioners contended in the letter to the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and the Minister of Justice that the; “bill violates the clear provisions of the constitution, which establish the National Assembly and define the terms and conditions of service for its officials.

“Specifically, Section 51 of the Constitution states that ‘There shall be a clerk to the National Assembly and such other staff as may be prescribed by an act of the National Assembly, and the method of appointment of the clerk and other staff of the National Assembly shall be as prescribed by that act.”’