Saraki tasks National Assembly workers on accountability

Senate President Bukola Saraki has charged the National Assembly workers to come up with solutions for improving services in the National Assembly as it relates to discipline, transparency and accountability.

In a statement signed by his Media Adviser, Yusuf Olaniyonu, Saraki gave the charges while opening a five-day retreat for senior personnel of the National Assembly in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital.

The statement read in part: “As legislators, we acknowledge that the achievements of these agendas are not possible without the co-operation of management. In a world of growing challenges and vulnerability, we cannot afford not to stand together. To work in isolation or let personal interests stand in the way of harnessing the many strengths in our structure would be doing dis-service to the people we serve.

“It is time to show that the National Assembly is ready to play its role as a primer of development and the watchdog for the sustenance of democracy. We cannot be seen in the same light as in past times. We need to sanitise our structure and lead by example. Management accountability and transparency is now paramount. Indiscipline and laxity can no longer be tolerated. Obedience to laws in force as it relates to anti-corruption must be enforced.

“The task I place before you is to come up with solutions for improving the National Assembly. There is no doubt that we need to take the work ethos far higher than we have today. We need your innovative ideas that will ultimately attract the best brains work and be retained here. I look forward to receiving solid and actionable recommendations. I count on you to bring your bright ideas to discussions so that we can make a difference for our families, communities and our country as a whole.”

Also, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Yakubu Dogara, represented by the member representing Lokoja/Kogi/Koton-Karfe Federal Constituency, Buba Jubril, said training of the management personnel of the NASS was paramount in view of the position they occupy.

The Clerk of the National Assembly, Alhaji Mohammed Sani-Omolori, said the retreat was designed to bring the management personnel together to brainstorm on the direction of the nation’s legislature.

He, therefore, reiterated the need to improve the general working condition of members of staff and upgrade the facilities for effectiveness.

Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi stressed the need to upscale the capacity of management members of staff. He also urged the legislators to treat Kogi issues dispassionately when they come before them.