The Acting Clerk to the National Assembly (CNA), Arc. Ojo Olatunde
By Raphael Ekpang
The Acting Clerk to the National Assembly (CNA), Arc. Ojo Olatunde has said the management of the National Assembly under his watch will prioritise the issue of security in the National Assembly Complex so that everyone can go about their lawful duties within the premises.
Arc. Olatunde, while addressing newsmen on Friday in Abuja when he played host to a delegation of YIAGA Africa, a civil society organization led by its executive director, Sampson Itodo at the NASS.
“Our priorities now is to strengthen the security in NASS so that you the press men to operate, the legislators to operate in their optimal capacity, as well as the staff of NASS,” he said.
He also said that the management under his watch will maintain zero tolerance for corruption, adding that they would ensure that the work of the bureaucracy is done in the most transparent and accountable manner at all times.
He noted that to address knowledge gaps in the lawmaking process by the legislature, capacity development efforts will be a continuous process.
“We will work to ensure that all members, aides and staff have adequate capacity to utilize internet services and materials from e-library, in preparing and processing legislative bills or motions” he said.
Consequently, the CNA declared that ICT development, establishment of E-library and capacity building programmes will be pursued vigorously for the benefit of lawmakers and all relevant staff and aides.
“Provisions of desktop computers and laptops are being planned for staff. We are resolved never to neglect our responsibilities and to pursue our core mandate to logical conclusions” the CNA said.
He acknowledged what he called selfless support and commitment that YIAGA AFRICA is playing in strengthening legislative capacity, and providing technical support over the years.
Earlier, Executive Director of YIAGA, Itodo congratulated the clerk on his appointment, while explaining that the organization works in three areas; elections, legislative engagements and governance and development.
He emphasised that in the National Assembly over the last few years, YIAGA AFRICA has implemented a parliamentary strengthening programme, supported by the European Union.
“Over the last few years we have worked with specific committees both at the Senate and the House of Representatives and also worked with young parliamentarians forum and women in parliament Committee” Itodo said.
