The Director, Senate Table Duties Department in the National Assembly, Dr. Christopher Vershima Ashiekaa, has dragged the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC), through the National Industrial Court over its retirement from service before his statutory exit date.
The suit, which is before the Honourable Justice Osatohanmwen Ayodele Obaseki Osaghae, seeks 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.
The Claimant/Applicant is represented by Barr. Daniel Penda, while the 1st Defendants/Respondents (NASC) and the NASS Management (2nd Defendant), are represented by Abdul A. Ibrahim, SAN and Aisha O. Abdulsalam Esq, as well as Barr. Charles Yoila Esq, respectively.
In the suit marked NICN/ABJ/455/2024, the claimant argued 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 relied on previous rulings on the subject matter in the case of Amb DCB Nwanna vs National Intelligence Agency (NIA) in 2013 and several others.
When the case came up for mention, on Wednesday, Counsel to the 1st defendant requested for seven days to enable them file their defence, arguing that the NASC briefed them very late.
In her response, Justice Obaseki, adjourned the matter to February 17, 2025, 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 Director in 2017 was notional, meaning that his effective date of attaining the rank of Director with financial benefit was 1st January 2018.
Going by the eight-year tenure of Directors envisaged by public service Rule 020909, Dr. Ashieakaa should be retiring by January 2026.
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