By George Ozalla
On Monday, a delegation of the Progressive Legislative Aides, Nigeria PLAN paid a courtesy visit to Francis Chinedu Akubueze Esq., the immediate past Senate Clerk who was appointed Chief of Staff to Senate President; Senator Godswill Akpabio upon his retirement. The PLAN delegation was led by its Director General Comrade Kayode Lawal, who is also a Legislative Aide to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon Tajudeen Abbas PhD.
During the visit, Lawal expressed PLAN’s intention to seek active collaboration with the office to enhance increased legislative functions and corresponding output, leveraging the broader scope of trainings with newly established ‘The Progressive Institute’.
Lawal speaking further stated, “we have in our midst a lot of experienced and well learned passionate individuals who are ready to contribute their quota in service, in fact the of House Representatives 10th legislative agenda, our group was one of the groups the Hon. Speaker gave an opportunity to make an input”.
Senior Legislative Aide to the Senate President on Stakeholders’ Engagement & Mobilization, Hon Femi Odere re-echoeing Lawal’s position, “I wish this different resources and intellectual capacity on legislative areas can be much more harnessed for the betterment and value addition to the office of Senate President that we represent”.
Odere praised Akubueze for his vast knowledge, calm disposition and open door policy.
Akubueze, a seasoned administrator with vast experience in parliamentary procedures, in his response warmly thanked the delegation and applauded the idea of collaboration.
Akubueze said, “I have always been willing to work with diligence, integrity and open mind, I started my career as a legal draftsman…., we shall see areas we can work together to make more progress achievable”.
On a lighter note, Akubueze excitedly further shared his career journey with the delegation, highlighting the challenges he overcame and at the same time expressing gratitude to God for the opportunity to serve without blemish. He gladly praised Alhaji Sani Omolori, former Clerk to the National Assembly for his motivation and support which ultimately positioned him ahead for a successful career.
Akubueze while concluding, re-emphasized his willingness to work with PLAN and The Progressive Institute, spotlighting the importance of collaboration in advancing Nigeria’s legislative institutions.
PLAN members, including Princess Folashade Ogunbiyi, George Ozalla, Dr Imo Ekpo, Dr Oba Obi Ndigwe, and Amb. Amaka Akaigwe who were among the delegation, similarly in their various individual remarks reaffirmed their willingness to work closely with Akubueze’s office, fostering a collaborative environment that promotes mutual understanding and legislative effectiveness.
In a vote of thanks, Mr Ozalla applauded Akubueze for granting the delegation prompt audience despite his often busy schedule and prayed for his continued success.
Highlights of the visit includes, formal presentation of letter of collaboration to Akubueze from The Progressive Institute by Hon. Femi Odere, presentation of an award to Akubueze by Amb. Amaka Akaigwe coming jointly from Alor Community Youth & Amaka Akaigwe Care Foundation, and group photographs.
In a related development, PLAN also paid a visit afterwards to Hon. Garba Chede Hamman-julde, Liaison Officer: House of Representatives to the APC Headquarters, the purpose of the visit was to explore areas of mutual collaboration in promoting activities and progress of the party. Excited Hamman-julde assured the delegation that he would convey PLAN’s request and interest to the appropriate quarters and follow up, he thanked the delegation for the visit, acknowledged PLAN’s loyalty and commitment and further enjoined them not to relent.
