Media Aide to Senator Bulus K. Amos, Mr Abdul Lauya, has been elected as spokesperson ( PRO I ) of National Assembly Legislative Aides Forum ( NASSLAF ).
Abdul Lauya, whose colleagues described as a meek personality as well as an outspoken fellow shortly after the election on Wednesday 11th November, 2020 is to serve in that capacity in the next two years.
In his acceptance speech, Abdul thanked the members for the confidence reposed in him to serve the association promising that by the grace of God he will live upto expectation.
Full lists of the new Exco elected are: Chairman – Salisu Zuru, Vice Chairman – Adoama R. Iyke, Secretary – Bola Adeyemo, Assistant Secretary Queen D. Peter, Financial Secretary – Adebayo A. Adekoya and Assistant Financial Secretary-Alum Enyinnaya Udensi. Others are: Treasurer – Momoh Rilwanu, Legal Officer 1- Mike A. Anibueze Esq, Legal Officer 2- Lucky Esiegbe Esq, Welfare Officer – Aishatu Musa, and PRO 11 – Olusoji Olamoyegun
In another related development, the National Assembly Legislative Aides Forum (NASSLAF) has demanded uniform treatment of its members with those of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), arguing that both categories of workforce are appointees of the National Assembly Service Commission, NASC.
NASSLAF Chairman, Alh Salisu Usman Zuru, made this submission during a courtesy call on the Chairman of the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC) in Abuja during the week.
The Chairman of the Commission, Engr Ahmed Amshi expressed deep shock when Comrade Zuru revealed that Legislative Aides are remunerated with 2010 Consolidated Legislative Salary Structure (CONLESS) instead of the revised 2018 version being enjoyed by members of PASAN; and urged the Commission to take immediate steps to correct the anomaly.
Similarly, Zuru equally made case for improved capacity building, early payment of severance packages as well as better Welfare and other incentives in order to attract the best brains to service the nation’s apex lawmaking body.
He further argued that as “lubricants that oil the wheels of effective and efficient Legislative delivery”, there is need to create a pool of Chartered Legislative Aides who have passed rigorous and relevant examinations by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies,NILDS, where Legislators can draw from in order to ensure continuity and enhanced service delivery.
NASSLAF Chairman also harped on the lingering outstanding salary arrears owed it’s members, and urged the Commission to intervene so that those yet to get can be paid as quickly as possible.
In his response, the Chairman, Engr Amshi, who expressed shock said that Legislative Aides are bonafide employees of the Commission and must not be treated otherwise.
Also at the interactive session, the Director Zonal Offices and Legislative Aides, Malami Ahmed, corroborated the submission of NASSLAF Chairman to the effect that, the Commission still uses the 2010 CONLESS for Legislative Aides, but could not offer justifications for such imbalance.
Engr Amshi therefore directed that the anomaly be corrected immediately.
On the vexed issue of salary arrears, the Chairman of the Commission promised to interface with Management of the National Assembly to resolve the issue.
Note, NASC was established by act of Parliament and charged with the responsibility to appoint, promote, dismiss and exercise disciplinary control over staff of the National Assembly.
