Crisis brews in Ogun Assembly over appointment of clerk

There is unrest among both career employees and political officials at the Ogun State House of Assembly regarding the appointment of a new Clerk.

The tension arose following the retirement of the House Clerk, Adedeji Adeyemo, in early March, and the assembly’s failure to announce a successor since then.

There are suspicions that the delay is part of a government strategy to appoint a non-legislative staff member as the clerk of the house.

Traditionally, the most senior career employee in the legislative branch holds a position akin to the Head of Service, operating under the executive arm’s control.

This position is subject to the governor’s appointment but must be chosen from the current senior civil servants.

Employees at the assembly believe that they should have the opportunity to ascend to this position, having dedicated many years to government service in the legislative branch.

Additionally, like several other states, Ogun State established a House of Assembly Service Commission during the 8th House of Assembly, as per a law signed by former Governor Ibikunle Amosun.

According to this law, the most senior legislative staff member should assume the role of House clerk at all times, subject to confirmation by the assembly through a resolution.

Investigations reveal that this law has led to the appointment of Deputy Clerks as clerks in several states, including Taraba, Zamfara, Delta, Osun, Bayelsa, Kaduna, Ondo, Kano, Cross River, Gombe, Lagos, Oyo, and Ekiti.

Current discussions with assembly staff suggest apprehension that the government might appoint a non-legislative staff member as the clerk, leading to discontent among the workers.

Several staff members have expressed their concerns to the Speaker, but his response was unsatisfactory, indicating a readiness to support whoever the governor chooses for the position.

However, they argue that adherence to the law is crucial, especially given a previous court ruling affirming the authority of the House of Assembly Service Commission in staff appointments and control.

The issue has caused divisions among legislators, with some advocating for the preservation of the House of Assembly Service Commission’s law, while others suggest that qualified civil servants from outside the assembly could also serve as clerks.

A court ruling in 2020 reinforced the importance of following the state’s House of Assembly law in staff appointments and related matters, emphasizing the authority of the House of Assembly Service Commission.

Efforts to reach the House Speaker and the Chairman of the House Committee on Communication for comments on the matter were unsuccessful, as they did not respond to calls or messages.