The Gombe State House of Assembly Service Commission has approved the promotion of 28 staff members and ratified the retirement of six officers who have completed the mandatory 35 years in service.
The decisions were taken during the maiden full-Commission sitting held on Wednesday, and chaired by the Chairman of the Commission, Rt. Hon. Sadiq Ibrahim.
A statement issued by the Commission’s Chief Information Officer Joshua Danmalam, said the promotion of the 28 officers followed recommendations from the Senior and Junior Establishment Committees of the State House of Assembly and the Assembly Service Commission.
The seven-member commission also ratified the retirement of six officers who had served the state for 35 years.
Speaking during the sitting, the Chairman reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to addressing issues affecting the welfare and career progression of staff in line with its statutory responsibilities.
He said the commission would work to ensure that staff welfare remained a priority while also ensuring that employees lived up to their responsibilities.
The Chairman said, “We are committed to carrying out the task entrusted to us by His Excellency, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, particularly in handling all issues pertaining to staff welfare in accordance with the Commission’s establishment law.”
The development came as the leadership of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria, PASAN, representing both the House of Assembly and Assembly Service Commission chapters, paid a courtesy visit to the commission.
The PASAN delegation congratulated the Chairman and members of the commission on their appointments by Governor Yahaya and pledged its support for the new leadership.
The association, however, appealed to the commission to prioritise the timely promotion of staff, capacity building and improved welfare.
The PASAN leadership called for prompt implementation of staff promotions when due, as well as training and retraining programmes and workshops to enhance the capacity of workers.
It also appealed for the payment of wardrobe allowance to staff of the Assembly.
Responding, Ibrahim thanked the PASAN leadership for the visit and pledged to work closely with the association to improve the effectiveness of the Assembly Service Commission.
He said, “We appreciate the leadership of PASAN for this visit and for the support extended to the commission. We will work closely with you as partners in progress for the betterment of the Commission and the state.”
The Chairman also assured the association that the issues raised during the visit would be given due consideration.
However, he warned staff against indiscipline, urging them to demonstrate commitment to their duties.
He said, “The issues raised will be looked into, but I want to urge all staff to buckle up and live up to their responsibilities.”
Ibrahim added that the commission would not tolerate absenteeism or indolence among workers, stressing that staff were expected to justify the confidence reposed in them by the state government.
The commission’s approval of the promotions and retirement of officers marks its first major decisions since the constitution of the new seven-member body.