•National Assembly complex, Abuja
The Director, Senate Table Duties Department in the National Assembly, Dr. Christopher Vershima Ashiekaa, has sued the NASS Service Commission to court over an attempt to retire him prematurely from office before his statutory exit date.
The suit, filed at the National Industrial Court Abuja, is being presided over by Justice Osatohanmwen Obaseki Osaghae, reports Daily Independent.
The Claimant/Applicant is represented by Barr. Daniel Penda, while the Respondents are represented by Abdul A. Ibrahim (SAN) and Aisha O. Abdulsalam Esq, as well as Barr. Charles Yoila Esq, respectively.
Respondents in the suit marked NICN/ABJ/455/2024, are the NASC, and the NASS Management (2nd Defendant).
By the suit, the Claimant is seeking judicial interpretation of Rule 020909 of Public Service Rules, 2021 edition, which the Commission, under the Chairmanship of Engr. Ahmed Kadi Amshi, wrongly applied to terminate the Director’s appointment.
Furthermore, the claimant is arguing that his 2017 notional appointment to the post of Director Legislative should not count as he did not “Serve on the Post” and enjoyed no financial or other benefits.
He is relying on previous rulings on the subject matter in the case of Amb. DCB Nwanna vs National Intelligence Agency (NIA) in 2013 and several others to argue his case.
When the case came up for first mention on Wednesday, Counsel to the 1st defendant pleaded for seven days to enable them to file their defence.
He argued that the NASC briefed them very late on the matter.
Responding to the application, Justice Obaseki, adjourned the matter to February 17, for further mention.
The claimant, Dr Ashiekaa, joined the National Assembly in November 1992.
Going by the public service retirement rule, he is expected to retire in November 2027.
Similarly, Ashiekaa, who was born in 1968, has not attained the age of 60.
Besides his appointment as a Director in 2017 was notional, meaning that his effective date of attaining the rank of Director with financial benefit was January 1, 2018.
Going by the eight-year tenure of Directors envisaged by public service Rule 020909, Dr. Ashieakaa should be retiring by January 2026.
Even at that, this would apply if he is still not appointed to consolidated grade, court papers showed.
