Gbajabiamila Wades Into NASS Clerk Retirement Controversy

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, has waded into the controversy surrounding the retirement of the Clerk to the National Assembly, Amos Ojo.

This is just as a coalition of civil society organisations, on Sunday, alleged a media campaign against Ojo, stating that the Clerk should remain in office till his retirement next year.

It was learnt on Sunday that Gbajabiamila had contacted the Office of the Head of Service of the Federation to clarify whether Ojo could decide not to proceed on a three-month terminal leave, which is reportedly billed to commence on Monday, or remain in active service till his retirement on February 14, 2023.

A letter from the office, which was addressed to the Chief of Staff to the Speaker, dated November 11, 2022, with Reference Number HCSF/314/93, was titled, ‘Re: Enquiry of Pre-Retirement Leave of a Retiring Civil Servant.’

Signed by the Director of HOS, Adebayo Odejinmi, for the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Folashade Yemi-Esan, the response to the Speaker read, “I am directed to refer to your letter dated 10th November 2022 on the above subject, seeking clarification on pre-retirement leave.

“The pre-retirement leave is provided for in the Public Service Rule (PSR) 100238, which states: ‘Officers are required to give three months notice to retire from service before the effective date of retirement. At the commencement of the three months, officers should proceed immediately on the compulsory one-month pre-retirement workshop/seminar. For the remaining two months, retiring officers are expected to take necessary measures to put their records straight so as to facilitate the speedy processing of their retirement benefits.’

“Going by the provision, it is compulsory for the retiring officer to give a notice of three months prior to his/her retirement. Among other intents, this provision is to enable the MDA to arrange a replacement in good time for the officer.

“As provided in the rule and where organised, the retiring officer will attend the one-month pre-retirement seminar. He/she is expected in his/her own interest to gather his/her records from various MDAs he/she might have served. This is to facilitate the processing of his/her retirement benefits.

“It is, therefore, not out of order if the officer chooses to work in office during the period.

“Please, accept the assurances of the warm regards of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.”