Opinion
Engineer Ahmed Kadi Amshi’s Two Years of Purposeful and Result Oriented Leadership In The National Assembly Service Commission
Just like yesterday, the Executive Chairman, National Assembly Service Commission NASC, Engineer Ahmed Kadi Amshi FNSE clocked two eventful years at the mantle of leadership of the commission after his appointment on the 25th February, 2020.
Inaugurated by President Muhammadu Buhari along with his commissioners, his mandate to reposition the bureaucracy of the hub of legislative arm of government was glaringly on course.
His appointment no doubt has restored alot of confidence not only on the part of workers of the commission, but by extension the National Assembly staffers charged with the day to day running of the legislative arm of government.
Anxious to make a difference, Amshi quickly restored the fragile confidence by the staff of the commission through welfare packages, staff reorientation and rationalization that was long overdue.
This was carried out through assertion of public service rules on the staff who are expected to put in either 35 years in service or 60 years of age in line with the service rules.
Hence , normalized the hitherto tense atmosphere in the commission on the condition of service of employees of the National Assembly and paved way for mass disengagement of those involved in either age falsification, service year manipulations that gave way to massive reorganisation of the staffers of the commission.
It was within two years under review, that Engr Ahmed Kadi Amshi led National Assembly Service Commission NASC brought on board new principal officers of the two chambers in the management of the National Assembly that rejigged service delivery to the federal lawmakers to effect quality legislation.
His decision also touched extensively mass reinvigoration and redeployment of staffs of the National Assembly and by extension the commission that promoted hardwork, dedication to duty and diligence.
Mass promotion of staffs of the commission/assembly along with financial backing and payment of arears of outstanding entitlements had being at the front burner of the current leadership.
This is in addition to training and retraining as well as conferences organised by the commission to bring on board new ideas towards satisfactory job performance in the commission.
Kadi introduced routine visits rather than just taken administrative decisions on the national assembly, to acquaint the commission of the problems and prospects particularly with direct reference to their jobs.
Worried by inadequate office accommodation, and unbefitting environment currently being occupied by the commission, he embarked and redesigned the office for a corporate look, while he immediately embarked on the construction of permanent office complex worth 11B with ground breaking ceremony at three arms zone, Abuja already performed by the Senate President, Dr Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan and construction ongoing with the completion period pegged before the end of the 9th Assembly.
The new complex when completed will not only ressolve accommodation problems, but logistics and movement of of official correspondence from the commission current rented apartment office in the heart of Abuja, and also addressed the huge rent being paid, as well other problems being encountered.
Engr Kadi, a technocrat of high repute also celebrated two decades of the existence of the commission with award to deserving and posthumous award to deceased staffs of the commission, along with pioneer staffs to encourage hardwork, dedication to duty.
He created a temporary clinic at the commission that provides first aide services to workers who may have been one way or the other involved in any form of casualties while on duty, before referrals. This had assisted in no small measure and brought about job satisfaction.
The Chairman was not relentless in the last two years through advocacy, memo both in public and private capacity on the need to grant blanket not only autonomy, but establishment of States Assembly Service Commission, a situation that is gradually paying up, as most states in Nigeria, except few ones had established the states commission to guarantee legislative freedom and independence.
In the last two years, he had engaged on seminars, symposiums, workshops, talkshops and series of meetings on the workability of states assembly commission inline with the principle of separation of powers.
It is novel that Kadi introduced open and transparent bidding in accordance with public procurement act, as contractors seeking for jobs in the commission were subjected to open and unambiguous approach towards assessing goverment funds. this is encouraging in the 21st century, when most procurement in Ministries, Departments and Agencies were shrouded in secrecy.
The astute adminstrator also planned to introduce a different payment platform in line with the government pay platform known as IPPIS , so as to permanently address multiple appointments, remunerations, claims and sharp practices among many other financial transactions of the commission.
In the last two years, the commission had played host to many foreign counterparts and also visited countries for studies, interactions, awareness to enhance on the job performance.
In his words, Engr Ahmed Kadi Amshi FNSE want to see a new commission that will be responsive and responsible to the smooth running of the activities of the legislative arm of government, as well as not only an administrative independent for states assembly service commission, but financial autonomy devoid of any interferences from the executive arm.
No doubt, Kadi’s two years at the mantle of leadership has asserted the total and interrupted operation through it’s own bureaucracy and management of the National Assembly Service Commission NASC.
Written By Abubakar Yusuf.
yus.abubakar3@gmail.com.
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio on Saturday said the Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was suspended by the Senate for six months, traumatised him and others.
Akpabio had come under heavy criticism following the sanction handed out to the lawmaker.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, cautioned the Senate against making the political atmosphere toxic for women.
Major opposition parties in the country have also expressed outrage over the manner in which the complaint was handled.
But Akpabio maintained his innocence, saying none of what she alleged was true.
Speaking at an event to commemorate International Women’s Day, Akpabio raised concerns that he was merely her latest victim, saying previous allegations by Natasha had turned out to be false.
He said, ‘’It is only yesterday that I realised that what we are talking about only happened when there was a change of seat. That is when hell was let loose, and all sorts of allegations came up, only after the change of seat and change of committee, which my Senators know to happen from time to time.
“This is said to have happened on December 8, a day before my birthday, which was celebrated in the Stadium in 2023. So from the 8th of December 2023, I never heard, my wife never heard, no Nigerian ever heard, even the husband never heard any issue of sexual harassment until her committee was changed and then her seat was changed.
“Have you ever wondered about the trauma caused by that same woman on the other people she has accused in the past? None has been proven so far. Do you even wonder about the trauma this caused to the 10th Senate and the image of the Senate with all these useless allegations? I have refrained myself from making a statement.
“Look at these beautiful women. They have come across me so many times. Have I ever harassed any one of you? Or is the person thinking that you are not beautiful?”
By Abdullahi O Haruna Haruspice
The appointment of Dr. Fashagba Femi Paul as the Provost of Kogi State College of Education, Ankpa, is a masterstroke in academic leadership. With an impressive track record in academia, administration, and professional excellence, he is undoubtedly the right person to lead the institution into a new era of transformation. His wealth of experience and outstanding credentials make him well-suited for the task ahead, one that requires vision, strategic planning, and a relentless commitment to excellence.
Dr. Fashagba’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. Having served as the Director of the Academic Planning Unit at the Federal Polytechnic, Bida, he demonstrated exceptional administrative acumen, successfully leading the accreditation and reaccreditation of over thirty academic programs—an achievement unmatched in the history of the institution. His tenure as Dean of Students’ Affairs further highlighted his ability to foster a student-friendly academic environment while ensuring discipline and quality education. In addition to his administrative competence, Dr. Fashagba is a well-respected scholar, researcher, and mentor, with numerous academic publications and conference presentations to his name. As a Fellow of the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN) and a distinguished member of the Chartered Institute of Finance and Control of Nigeria (CIFCN), he embodies the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.
Now at the helm of Kogi State College of Education, Ankpa, Dr. Fashagba must harness his expertise to drive meaningful reforms. The institution, like many teacher-training colleges in Nigeria, requires structural, academic, and administrative revitalization to remain competitive. One of the key areas of focus should be academic excellence and accreditation. Strengthening the college’s accreditation status by ensuring that all programs meet national and global standards is essential. A research-driven environment must be fostered, encouraging both lecturers and students to engage in innovative academic work. Additionally, modern pedagogical tools must be introduced to align with contemporary teacher education.
Beyond academics, institutional development and infrastructure must be prioritized. Improving physical facilities, including classrooms, hostels, and ICT centers, will significantly enhance the learning environment. Seeking partnerships with government and private sector stakeholders to attract funding and grants should also be a focal point. Establishing a robust e-learning system to complement conventional learning methods will further modernize the institution and expand its reach.
To build a well-rounded institution, the welfare of students and staff must also be taken into account. Policies that ensure a conducive learning and teaching environment should be implemented, while continuous professional development programs must be introduced for lecturers to keep them updated on modern teaching methodologies. Encouraging student participation in leadership, entrepreneurship, and community service programs will also help in shaping well-rounded graduates who are equipped to make meaningful contributions to society.
As an astute accountant, Dr. Fashagba is well-positioned to enhance financial management and transparency within the college. Prudent financial practices, revenue-generating initiatives, and reduced reliance on government subventions will be key to ensuring the financial stability of the institution. At the same time, fostering strong ties between the college and the local community will be instrumental in driving mutual growth. Building strategic alliances with education-based NGOs, international bodies, and government agencies will further enhance institutional development and open up new opportunities for students and faculty members.
The appointment of Dr. Fashagba Femi Paul is not just another administrative change—it is a call to action. The weight of expectation is enormous, and the demand for impact is immediate. As he takes over the reins, he must bring on board the right strategies, policies, and personnel to reposition the college for greatness. The people of Kogi State, the academic community, and the students of Kogi State College of Education, Ankpa, look forward to a progressive, transformative, and prosperous tenure. With his sterling credentials, vast experience, and stoic commitment to education, there is no doubt that Dr. Fashagba will leave an indelible mark on the institution. Now is the time to deliver, and the future starts today.
Perfectly musing
BY Musa Ilallah
For the people of Hadejia emirate in the present jigawa state, their hope and optimism remains high now more than ever before that their 42 year old struggle to get a state of their own will soon see the light of the day. The movement had so far submitted a request for the creation of Hadejia state in 1982, 1991, 1994, 1996, 2009, and 2021.
This optimism beams its light and hinges its hope for 2 reasons.
First came the opener when the Jigawa North East Senator, Ambassador Ahmad Abdulhamid Malam Madori on the 25th day of February 2025 sponsored a bill for an act to create Hadejia state out of Jigawa state on the floor of the senate.
The bill, which sought to alter the Constitution of the federal Republic of Nigeria1999 (Cap.C23), is presently awaiting further legislative action.
Second, the House of Representatives committee on the review of the 1999 constitution opened it’s door wide open and allowed all interested applicant seeking new states to be created in their domains to submit their request on or before the 16th of March, 2025.
Taking this opportunity with all the seriousness it deserves, the steering committee led by a former Commissioner in the old Kano state, Alhaji Musa Shuaibu had an interaction with the Chairman of the national Constitution review Committee and also the Deputy Senate President, Distinguished Barau I. Jibrin, to press home the demand for the creation of Hadejia state and thereafter solicits his support for the noble cause.
Consequently, the Chair of the movement for the creation.of Hadejia state, Musa Shuaibu was at the National Assembly on Tuesday March 4th 2025 where he formally presented the demand.
Accompanied by Senator Malam Madori, 2 of the 3 members of the House of Representatives from the area, some members of the state House of assembly and some representatives of LGCs.
Also present were the Representatives of the State Governor, Naannabi Ahmad, Falakin Hadejia and Chairman of the state Civil service commission; Emir of Hadejia’s Representative and Galadiman Hadejia, Usman Abdulaziz, Representatives of 8 local government councils, representatives of State assembly members; members of the house of representatives, Dr Abubakar Fulata and Makki Yanleman; prominent sons and daughters and also some members of the steering committee of the movement led by elder Dr (Arch) Aminu Kano
According to Musa Shuaibu, in addition to the present 8 local government areas that make up the proposed state, the area has presently submitted request to expand the LGAs to more than 12. The present Senatorial zone has Hadejia, Kafin Hausa, Auyo, Kaugama, Malam Madori, Guri, Birniwa and Kiri Kasamna LGAs.
Some of the potentials that seem to work in favour of the demand for Hadejia state include an approximately 700, 000 hectares of total landmass of which 75% is arable for all year round farming.
Others include the economic viability, active and enterprising human resource, utilities and infrastructure, electricity via a 132 KVA, potable water, ethanol renewable energy resource, forests and wildlife. Others include industry and commerce, tourism and rich cultural heritage among others.
Formally receiving the request for the creation of Hadejia state, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Honourable Tajuddeen Abbas in his office, stated that he is 100% in support of the movement and gave an unflinching committment to get the aspiration through.
At the Senate, the Clerk to the Senate committee on the review of the 1999 Constitution, Innocent Mobere received the memorandum on behalf of the chairman and also promised to present the request to the whole house committee.
Meanwhile, Senator Ambassador Ahmad Malam Madori also during a 2day public hearing organised by the Senate committee on health on a bill to consider the creation of a Federal Medical Centre , Hadejia, had appealed to all and sundry to make the proposal a reality.
All eyes are.now on deck to see how fast the National Assembly will fast track the creation of more states and LGCs in the country for its growth and development.
Musa Ilallah, a public affairs analyst based in Abuja. He can be reached at musahk123@yahoo.com