By Egede Sylvester
In a significant move to enhance legislative governance, Senator Julius Ali Ucha has called for the establishment of more functional State Assembly Service Commissions across the Southeast region. Leading a delegation of commissioners from the National Assembly Service Commission, Ucha visited the Ebonyi State House of Assembly Service Commission to engage stakeholders and sensitize states that lack these vital institutions.
During the visit, Senator Ucha commended the governors of Ebonyi and Imo States for being the only two in the Southeast to have established State Assembly Service Commissions. He praised Governor Nwifuru for his foresightedness in appointing a former parliamentarian as the chairman of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly Service Commission, noting that this decision has positively repositioned the commission in a short time.
The senator outlined key activities of the National Assembly Service Commission, emphasizing its role in developing a competent workforce to support legislators in addressing the challenges of effective governance and sustainable development. He assured that the Ebonyi State House of Assembly Service Commission would be prioritized for funding to achieve full autonomy.
Former Imo State House of Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. Amaechi Nwoha, who was part of the delegation, expressed concern that other Southeast states were missing out on the benefits that come with having a State Assembly Service Commission. He stressed the importance of quarterly meetings to keep stakeholders informed about developments in each state.
In response, the Chairman of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly Service Commission, Rt. Hon. Francis Elem, welcomed the delegation, highlighting the commission’s establishment in 2016 and recent improvements in staff performance and welfare. He thanked Governor Nwifuru and the Speaker of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Moses Ije Odunwa, for their support.
Elem urged the National Assembly Service Commission to expedite actions that would ensure the full autonomy of state houses of assembly, noting that some of the commission’s departments are still tied to state ministries.
Concluding the meeting, Mrs. Uche Edene, Clerk of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, expressed gratitude to the delegation, remarking that their visit was an invaluable learning experience for all involved.