A high ranking official of the National Assembly who has been ordered to proceed on retirement by the National Assembly Service Commission might be defying the go-home-order.
The man, Ibrahim El-Ladan, Clerk of the Senate officiated when the Senate sat on Monday, despite clear instructions asking him to handover to his immediate assistant.
Although there are indications the upper house may have been copied, it would appear senators simply looked the other way, preferring, perhaps, to allow internal administrative matters follow due process.
Eyewitnesses claim El-Ladan performed the role of the Clerk days after he ceased officially, going by the tone of the letter, to be a worker.
Allegations had been laid against the Clerk of the Senate and two others. The two others are reportedly permanent secretaries.
The retirement, officially, of El-Ladan by the National Assembly Service Commission, according to credible information, has been premised on the conclusion that the allegations of forgery and age falsification were duly confirmed.
“The Commission at its 547th meeting held on Wednesday, 9th February, 2022, has approved your retirement from service with effect from 9th February, 2022”, part of the letter addressed to the clerk of the Senate read.
The Commission lauded his contribution while in service and directed him to pass on the symbol of authority to Isabella, the Deputy Clerk.
“The Commission wishes to acknowledge your immense contribution to the growth and development of the National Assembly Service.
“As you proceed on retirement, please hand over your office and other government property in your possession to the Deputy Clerk, Senate (Legislative), Ilobah Isabella Ugochi.”
The letter, reference number NASC/PF/69/184 was dated February 9, 2022.
El-Ladan is not the only one who may have been affected.
The commission had ordered El-Ladan and another officer, Adebayo Anthony Adebanjo, to proceed on retirement with immediate effect.
Michael Okpara got a reminder. He was told that he would be retiring in six months.