The Clerk to the National Assembly, Mr Amos Ojo has urged members of staff of the assembly to add more value to the bills and motions passed by the legislators to enhance legislation.
Ojo made the call at a three-day workshop entitled ` Lawmaking Process in the National Assembly organised by the House of Representatives in Abuja on Tuesday.
He said that training and re-training of staff remained one of the cardinal objectives of his administration.
Ojo said that training and development of employees would assist both the organisation and employees in attaining diverse goals like improving morale, sense of security among others.
He said that the Legislature was the first of the three arms of government and the symbol of democracy that must be protected by all.
“It would not be out of place for me to use this occasion to remind us that the Legislature is the symbol of democracy all over the world.
“It is therefore pertinent and incumbent on all lovers of democracy to ensure that this Institution is protected.
“Although it is the legislators that have the monopoly of presenting bills during Plenary, most of you play critical supportive roles in ensuring the enactment of quality bills.
“Your roles in the law-making process are therefore critical to the sustenance of democracy in Nigeria and well recognised by management.
“We must continue to add value to the legislative process and should not underestimate the importance of the services we render to our dear nation,” he said.
He urged the participants to be punctual, attentive and not to misuse the golden opportunity at their disposal.
Ojo assured that the management will not relent in its efforts to ensure that all members of staff are given quality training.
In his remarks, the Clerk of House of Representatives, Dr Yahaya Danzaria decried the nonchalant attitude of some civil servants in the country.
He said that workers who perform their duties contrary to the civil service rules, have divided loyalty to the government or institution they work for.
Danzaria said the attitudes and behaviour of some civil servants in the country, including the National Assembly was not conducive for efficient administration of the service.
He said that the workshop was aimed at improving ethical and behavioural responsibilities of members of staff and guide them on their legislative processes.
“It is a programme designed to provide you with another opportunity to refresh your understanding and knowledge of the legislative practices and procedure.
“We must have a House that meets best International Parliamentary practices in legislative and administrative issues,” he said.
The Chairman, National Assembly Service Commission (NASC), Mr Ahmed Amshi enjoined participants to take maximum advantage of the training.
He was represented by Mr Hakeem Olabode, the Commissioner representing South West in the commission.
Amshi said that the training would ensure proper functionality of the parliament.
“Traning and retraining cannot be over emphasised or under estimated; it is like putting oil, water and all necessary equipment in an engine to function,” he said.