Janet Samuel, Abuja
Director-General of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Prof. Ayo Omotayo has said that Nigeria must have a national focus to grow.
Speaking at a retreat organised by the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC) for both National Assembly and the State House of Assembly Service Commission, Prof. Omotayo said if Nigeria must be a better society, individuals must carry out personal responsibility geared towards National Focus.
According to Omotayo, any country that is desiring to grow must have what he described as a national focus, stating that the lawmakers and the staff of the Assembly must work towards ensuring that whatever they do, is focused for the growth and development of the country.
“If we are going to have a better society, every individual in Nigeria must carry a personal responsibility and pursue a national focus.
“The President is not the government, the Senate President and the speaker are not the government. We must play our roles as individuals. If not, we will continue to blame ourselves. A nation works for anyone that plays his or her part. Everyone must think about the Nigeria we need.
He said legislators cannot do much if the Assembly Service Commissions did not give them a quality service.
In a message, the Senate President Godswill Akpabio, represented by Senator Danjuma Goje (Gombe Central)said the 10th Assembly will give priority to staff welfare as he was aware of the welfare issues they are battling, promising that it will be addressed.
“We know the welfare issues you are facing. Be rest assured that the 10th National Assembly has your back. Staff welfare will be supported by the assembly.
Executive Chairman, National Assembly Service Commission (NASC) Engr Ahmed Kadi Amshi, said they were concerned with the State Assembly Service Commissions that was why they considered their operations.
According to him, “As usual, resolutions are expected to be agreed upon and a Communique will be presented but we have entered into a partnership with National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) Consultancy Services in the organization of this Conference.
Clerk of the National Assembly, Sani Magaji Tambawal, who was represented by the Deputy Clerk, said no legislative arms of government can function effectively without a strong bureaucracy.
He said excellent parliamentary service helps in good democracy adding that the present National Assembly Service Commission has been able to sanitize the system and introduce new conditions of service.
