The Abia State House of Assembly has passed into law the Abia State of Nigeria House of Assembly Service Commission bill having scaled through successive readings, amendment and thorough consideration by the State legislators.
Announcing this during its plenary today, the Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chikwendu Kalu, stated that the bill was a directive from the Federation mandating States Houses of Assembly to set up a House of Assembly Service Commission in every State inline to support and consolidate the autonomy of the State Houses of Assembly across Nigeria.
Kalu noted that the bill came at the right time when the autonomy Act is in place, pointing out that the bill will help strengthen the proposed autonomy of Legislative arm of the government in the State.
While admitting that the bill will engender complete separation of power on the three tiers of government with the Executive, and Judiciary having their Service Commissions already in existence, the Speaker stated that theirs would not be an exemption.
He equally said that the law will aid in correcting anomalies in the Assembly Service system, encourage training and retraining of staff and promulgate other laws stipulated therein that will make them function fully as an independent body at large.
Kalu, therefore, called on the Executive arm of the government to expedite action on its implementation.
Lending their voices in support to the bill, the Member representing Umunneochi State Constituency, Hon. Prince Ikedi Ezekwesiri, and the Member representing, Umuahia South State Constituency, Hon. Chijioke Nwachukwu,
said the bill would help them manage their resources prudently and enhance the functions of the parliamentary arm of the government with a view to making it more active and functional.
They said it would engender professionalism among the staff.
Also Speaking, Member representing Obingwa West State Constituency, Hon. Barr. A.C Thomas Nkoro, said the House of Assembly Service Commission law will regulate engagements and discipline of staff, strengthen democracy and encourage the rule of law.
