By Naomi Sharang
Mr Emeka Nwala, the new Chairman of the National Assembly Legislative Aides Forum (NASSLAF) has promised to ensure enhanced welfare for members of the forum.
Nwala said this at the inauguration of the new Executive Committee of the forum in Abuja on Friday.
He also pledged to provide a purposeful leadership for the forum in line with his campaign promises.
“I know as a fact that members of NASSLAF are disillusioned and disappointed with the forum in view of its seeming inability to be at the forefront, pushing for their welfare.
“We however promised to do all we can to promote your welfare. We will therefore cherish your support, prayers, and constructive criticism.
“Prior to now, NASSLAF members’ wellbeing had not received the best of attention, leaving members disillusioned, disappointed, embittered, and hopeless with every sense of denial of their rights.
“To this end, my administration is determined with the collective support of all stakeholders to revive the hopes of our members,” he said.
Nwala added: “This is by restoring the hitherto lost glories in the areas of prompt payments of all entitlements like 28 days hotel accommodation in lieu of accommodation, training in and outside Abuja with allowances and accompanying materials.
“The N35,000 wage award, prompt payment of salaries including all outstanding arrears of salaries and severance as well as other benefits.”
The chairman promised to ensure a robust and healthy relationship by engaging with the leadership of the National Assembly and the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC).
“To this end, may I appeal for cooperation and partnership from all stakeholders to create a much-deserved synergy that will promote the well-being of aides.
“This is because the success of these laid-down plans is contingent principally on the cooperation, partnership and synergy of all members of NASSLAF,” he said.
Nwala urged members of the forum to endeavour to deliver on their primary assignments of offering legislative support to principals to deepen Nigeria’s democracy.
In his remarks, the Clerk of the National Assembly (CNA), Mr Sani Tambawal urged the new executives to sustain the existing peace at the assembly.
Tambawal, represented by Mr Birma Maina, the Secretary, Human Resources and Staff Development Directorate of the National Assembly, advised the new executives to be diligent in their duties.
“Of course, as the journey starts, there may be problems here and there. Don’t wait until the problem gets worse, come, and meet the management.
“You have leaders that should come and tell us what the problem might be, so that we brainstorm,” he said.
Also speaking, the National President, Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), Mr Mohammed Usman urged the new executives to be patriotic in their dealings.
“I implore you, all those who won the election to embrace those who they contested with. This is because each one has the wisdom and profile that could be used to move NASSLAF forward,” he said. (NAN)
Edited by Ali Baba-Inuwa
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