The removal of Andrew Nwoba as Clerk of the Senate may not be the end of the controversy surrounding his tenure.
Nwoba was relieved of his duties due to incompetence, despite being given numerous opportunities to prove himself worthy of the position.
According to sources, Nwoba’s struggles began when he failed to explain the difference between a committee of the whole and a supply committee during a Senate sitting, leaving him tongue-tied and stuttering.
This prompted Senate President Godswill Akpabio to direct Nwoba to undergo training to improve his legislative skills.
Although Nwoba attended the training, the Senate President was not convinced of his acquired skills and gave him an ultimatum: either resume his duties as Clerk of the Senate, with the understanding that any further mistakes would lead to his dismissal, or focus on administrative duties.
Nwoba opted for the latter but still managed to underperform.
● Allegations of Misconduct
Nwoba’s tenure was marred by allegations of favoritism, nepotism, and unprofessionalism.
He allegedly appointed people from his Ebonyi state to key positions in the Senate and ran the administrative side of the Senate with zero professionalism.
Many wonder why Nwoba was not demoted by the National Assembly Service commission [NASC] for his level of incompetence, especially given that the President of the Senate openly accused him of it.
According to sources, Nwoba is deemed un fit to be a director, let alone a secretary.
Under civil service rules and regulations, anyone found guilty of incompetence should be demoted, surcharged, or dismissed.
Curious staff members are questioning why Nwoba remains in the National Assembly service.
After his removal as Clerk of the Senate, Nwoba was posted to the Directorate of Regional Liaison as Secretary but has neither resumed nor started working in that capacity, allegedly due to lack of initiative or technical expertise.
Instead, he is often seen around the office of the Clerk to the National Assembly, leading many to speculate that he is being protected and emboldened by the Clerk.
The former Clerk’s troubles didn’t end with his removal. He refused to vacate his office, and there are no records of him handing over documents or accounts to his successor, Rawlings Emmanuel Agada.
Nwoba has also been accused of using Senate letterhead for official correspondence after his removal and selling off two official vehicles worth millions of naira.
● Calls for Investigation
The Clerk to the National Assembly has been urged to investigate these allegations and make the findings public.
Many are questioning why Nwoba is still in the service of the National Assembly, given his track record of incompetence and alleged misconduct.
As the situation unfolds, one thing is certain: Nwoba’s future in the National Assembly hangs in the balance.
Watchers of tthe development are asking whether Nwoba be held accountable for his actions, or wheher he will manage to weather the storm?
The answers to these posers are in the womb of time.
