Enang Charges Parliamentary Staff on Effective Legislative Administration

Abuja – Former Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly Matters, Senator Ita Enang, has called on parliamentary staff to be responsible and live up to expectations in their duties.

Speaking at a retreat for staff of the Office of the Clerk and Deputy Clerk to the National Assembly in Abuja, Enang delivered a paper titled “Fundamentals of Legislative Practices and Procedures.

” He emphasized the crucial role of the Clerk to the National Assembly (CNA) in legislative administration, describing the office as the chief adviser to presiding officers and the entire legislative body on procedural, legal, and constitutional matters.

Enang noted that the CNA’s responsibilities include ensuring that any deficiencies in bills, in terms of form, content, and constitutional compliance, are identified and corrected through appropriate legislative procedures. These duties are carried out directly by the CNA or through delegates such as the Clerks of the Senate and House of Representatives.

ROLE OF THE CLERK IN LEGISLATIVE PROCESSES

He highlighted the CNA’s role in certifying bills passed by both chambers of the National Assembly before they are sent to the President for assent, in accordance with the Acts Authentication Act.

Additionally, he noted that upon the dissolution of the legislature, the Clerk assumes responsibility for the proclamation of the new parliament and the conduct of elections for the Senate President, Deputy Senate President, Speaker, and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Enang urged the CNA’s office to ensure that all bills are properly gazetted and made accessible to the public for scrutiny and contributions before their passage.

PROPOSED REFORMS IN THE APPROPRIATION PROCESS

Suggesting reforms in legislative procedures, particularly on appropriation, Enang recommended that:

1. Budget estimates and details should be completed and laid alongside the Appropriation Bill, passed, and transmitted to the President for assent, along with the Votes and Proceedings.

2. Bills, once passed on the floor or after conference, should not be altered or redrafted by the Legal Drafting Department. Instead, all necessary drafting should be concluded before final passage.

3. The CNA must ensure compliance with Order 137 (2) and (3) of the Senate Standing Orders (2022), which mandate the circulation of bills and resolutions sent to the President among senators and the monthly presentation of updates on pending and assented bills.

Enang stressed that an efficient legislative administration is vital for effective lawmaking and governance, urging parliamentary staff to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and diligence in their duties.

………..
Media Unit,
Office of the Senator Ita Enang