CSOs Urge Senate to Reconsider NASS Service Bill in the Interest of the Nation

The Nigerian Civil Society Centre has called on the Nigerian Senate to consider and concur to the Harmonized Retirement Age of Staff of National Assembly Service Bill, 2024 currently before the Nigerian Senate. The Centre made the call following the Senate’s decision at its sitting on Thursday, 22nd February, 2024 to step down concurrence to the Bill by the Senate.

Speaking to Newsmen shortly after the incident, the Spokesperson of the Centre Mr. David Arumona said “We are shocked that the Nigerian Senate Stepped down this all-important Bill that is in the overall interest of our country”
“Apparently, some members of the Senate are not fully aware of the relevance, objectives and spirit of the bill, which has passed the third reading in the House of Representatives and awaiting their concurrence.”
“It is important to note that the bill is in the overall interest of the nation and not for the self-seeking gratification of just a few.”
“For all intents and purposes, the bill is widely accepted and considered by all genuine public-spirited Nigerians as a welcome development, and if passed will further boost public confidence, and entrench efficiency, experience, professionalism and optimal service delivery in the nation’s legislative bureaucracy.”
“We therefore call on the Nigerian Senate to as a matter of national interest, represent and reconsider the bill for concurrence at the earliest.”
Mr. David maintained that the Bill has not been dropped by the Senate as widely misconstrued in many quarters, but stepped down at the moment, and assured Nigerians that the bill will be reconsidered for concurrence.
He further disclosed plan by the Centre to mobilize the Civil Society and other stakeholders in the coming days to press for the passage of this all-important bill into law.