Proceed on terminal leave, commission orders NASS clerk

The National Assembly Service Commission, after its marathon meeting on Monday, asked the Clerk to the National Assembly, Olatunde Ojo, to embark on a three-month terminal leave immediately, The PUNCH has learnt.

This is contrary to the advice given by the Office of the Head of Service of the Federation, which said Ojo could remain in service until his retirement in February 2023.

The NASC Chairman, Ahmed Amshi, in a memo issued to the Clerk after the meeting, a copy of which our correspondent sighted on Tuesday and which was titled, “Approval Letter of Pre-Retirement Leave for the Outgoing CNA,” said Ojo should commence his pre-retirement leave on Monday.

The memo, dated November 14, 2022, with reference number NASC/PF/SS/1378, was subtitled, ‘Re: Commencement of Terminal Leave on November 14, 2022, Eventual Retirement on February 14, 2023, and Nomination for Vacant Positions.”

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It read, “Your letter dated 8th November 2022, on the above subject matter refers, please.

 “The National Assembly Service Commission, at its meeting held on November 14, 2022, considered your letter and approved the commencement of your pre-retirement leave w.e.f. November 14, 2022, and your eventual retirement on February 14, 2023.

“As you proceed on your pre-retirement leave, you are to be guided by the provisions of Public Service Rules 100238 and HCSF/PS/CSO/556/11/131 of August 1, 2012.

 “While the commission is working on the appointment of your successor as the Clerk to the National Assembly, you are to hand over your duties to the most senior officer in the National Assembly management.”

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, had intervened in the controversy surrounding the Clerk’s retirement, contacting the Office of the Head of Service of the Federation to clarify whether Ojo could decide not to proceed on a three-month terminal leave or remain in active service till his retirement on February 14, 2023.

A signed response by the Director of HOS, Adebayo Odejinmi, for the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Folashade Yemi-Esan, to the Speaker read partly, “It is mandatory for the retiring officer to give a notice of three months before his/her retirement.”