We will improve Aides welfare -NASSLAF chairman

By Andrew Oota

The chairman of National Assembly Legislative Aides Forum(NASSLAF), Barrister Emeka Nwala has promised that the forum under his leadership will strive to improve and entrench global democratic norms and practices.

The newly elected chairman also promised to work assiduously alongside his executive members to improve on the welfare of aides of the 10th National Assembly.

Speaking during his inauguration Barr. Nwala promised to revive the lost glory of the aides , Barr Nwala, a legislative aide to senator Orji Uzor Kalu mainatined that his areas of concentration includes payment of first 28 days ,Duty Tour Allowances , Trainings in and outside Abuja ,prompt payment of salaries and severance packages.

According to him,
“I will engage with relevant stakeholders in the housing and banking sectors in fulfillment of our promises to make available opportunities for interested members of NASSLAF to own houses or cars, as the case may be;introduce NASSLAF WEEK to bring about varieties and relaxation for members as a cushion for their hard work;

“Work towards giving NASSLAF a new constitution that will re-structure the Forum for effective welfare and service delivery as demanded by members; and
represent the interest and welfare of members of NASSLAF at all times and on all occasions.

However, I must stress here that all these are not ready-made and off the counter commodities but must be subjected to wide-range consultations by members who will be appointed into the various committees to achieve these goals.

“In all of these, my administration shall court a robust but healthy relationship by engaging with the managements of National Assembly, National Assembly Service Commission and other relevant critical stakeholders to realize our promises.

“To this end, may I appeal for cooperation and partnership from all stakeholders to create a much deserved synergy that will promote the well-being of aides because the success of these laid-down plans is contingent principally on the cooperation, partnership and synergy of all members of NASSLAF.

“I know as a fact that members of NASSLAF are disillusioned and disappointed with the Forum in view of its seeming inability to be at the forefront, pushing for their welfare. We however promise to do all we can to promote your welfare. We will therefore cherish your support, prayers and constructive criticism.

“As the need arises, congresses shall be convened while the publicity department shall endeavour to promptly disseminate releases to inform, guide, and direct members on every action and activity of the Executive Committee and Central Working Committee. I will encourage members to join the official platform that will be opened by the publicity department for timely update on our plans and activities. The intention is to carry every aide along and updated on our key decisions and programmes. I promise to run a transparent but focused administration that will promote peaceful coexistence of all aides but may have to frown seriously at any deliberate effort from any individual aide or group to ruffle feathers unnecessarily in other to cause disaffection amongst the aides. In other to manage such a situation, my administration may draw the attention of the principal(s) of such aide(s).

“In all of these, let us all as aides endeavour to deliver on our primary assignments of offering legislative support to our principals in order to deepen our democracy. We will be counting on the support of our colleagues whenever the need arises to meet our principals for the collective wellbeing of the aides.

“At this juncture, permit me to sincerely appreciate the leadership qualities and staff-friendly dispositions of Their Excellencies, Senator Dr Godswill Akpabio, President of the Senate and Rt. Hon Tajudeen Abbas, PhD, Speaker, House of Representatives. While wishing them successful tenures respectively, I anticipate a more collaborative relationship with them to ensure that aides of the National Assembly are adequately protected and provided for to carry out their functions.

“On a similar note, my address will be incomplete without respectfully appreciating my boss and benefactor, Distinguished Senator Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu for giving me the platform upon which I made myself available for this assignment. I remain grateful to him for the permission to vie for this position twice and all the encouragement and support. I promise not to disappoint you, Sir, nor anyone else.