Fresh controversy over the removal of Mr Andrew Nwoba as Clerk of the Senate has erupted in the National Assembly particularly against the backdrop of his retention by the National Assembly Service Commission without applying the Civil Service rules and procedures.
This was as it was gathered that Nwoba was relieved of his duties as a result of alleged incompetence, despite being given numerous opportunities to prove himself worthy of the position.
It was gathered that Nwoba’s struggles began when he was unable to explain the difference between a “Committee of the Whole and a Committee of Supply” during a Senate plenary session, leaving him tongue-tied and stuttering.
The development, it was gathered prompted the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio to direct Nwoba to undergo training to improve his legislative skills.
It was further gathered that even though Nwoba attended the training, Senator Akpabio was however, not convinced of his acquired skills and therefore gave him a condition to either resume his duties as Clerk of the Senate, with the understanding that any further mistakes would lead to his dismissal, or focus on administrative duties, for which Nwoba opted for the latter, but still underperformed.
Allegations of Misconduct
Information pieced together indicated that Nwoba’s tenure was marred by allegations of favouritism, nepotism, and unprofessionalism as he was accused of having allegedly appointed people from his Ebonyi State to key positions in the Senate and ran the administrative side of the Senate with zero professionalism.
Following his removal as a result of non-performance, many therefore expressed surprise why Nwoba was not demoted by the National Assembly Service commission (NASC), for his level of incompetence, especially given that the President of the Senate openly accused him of it.
A source said that it was common knowledge amongst senior staff of the National Assembly that Nwoba is considered and deemed unfit to hold a position of a director, talk more of the position of the Secretary.
A source said; “Under civil service rules and regulations, anyone found guilty of incompetence shall be demoted, surcharged, or dismissed”.
Curious staff members therefore questioned why the case of Nwoba is still pending with the National Assembly Service Commission.
Shortly after his removal as Clerk of the Senate, Nwoba was posted to the Directorate of Regional Liaison as Secretary for which he is yet to report for duties, allegedly as a result of his lack of initiative or technical expertise.
Surprisingly, Nwoba is usually seen around the office of the Clerk to the National Assembly, leading many to speculate that he is being protected and emboldened by the Clerk of the National Assembly.
Nwoba’s troubles didn’t end with his removal as he has refused to vacate his office, just as there are no records of him handing over documents or accounts to his successor, Mr. Rawlings Emmanuel Agada.
Nwoba is also been accused of using the Senate letterhead for his official correspondence after his removal and selling off two official vehicles worth millions of naira.
Calls for Investigation
It was also gathered that the Clerk to the National Assembly has been asked to investigate the allegations against Nwoba and make the findings public, just as many are questioning why he is still in the service of the National Assembly, given his record of alleged incompetence and misconduct.
