By EricJames Ochigbo
The House of Representatives on Thursday paid glowing tributes to the outgoing Clerk of the house, Dr Yahaya Dan-Zaria, for his years of dedicated service to the National Assembly.
At a valedictory session in Abuja, Speaker of the House, Rep. Abbas Tajudeen, described the outgoing clerk as a central figure in sustaining institutional continuity and order in the lower chamber.
“Dan-Zaria served in this office with clarity, discipline and restraint. His career within the national assembly reflects steady progress built on competence and hard work.
“Among his most institutional contributions is his role in the formulation and implementation of the Legislative Agenda for the 10th House of Reps. He also played a key role in revising the Standing Orders of the House.
“Dan-Zaria exhibited exceptional professionalism; his calm temperament defined his service.
“He remained composed under pressure; he was not easily angered; he handled relationship without open conflicts, while his humility was central to his leadership style,” he stated.
In his remarks, the Deputy Speaker, Rep. Benjamin Kalu, said that Dan-Zaria was dedicated and paid attention to details.
The lawmaker noted that the outgoing clerk’s humility was infectious, adding that he usually took assignment given to him with diligence.
“Managing 360 constituencies, making sure we are well documented, and everybody’s opinion was captured is not an easy job to do.
“Thank you, our Clerk; thank you very much, and will look forward to shaking hands again when we say ‘congratulations’on the new role that I know, this nation will assign to you.
“We are going to miss you within the four walls of this chamber. But we know that though you are retiring today, you are not tired.
“It is the duty of this nation to leverage the resources that are found in you, which the nation also has helped to prepare you to serve institutions like this.
“There must be a way where people like you will be engaged and you keep serving institutions like this so that the investment we have made so far will not be a loss,” he said.
Kalu challenged the younger generation to emulate the outgoing clerk by joining public service or politics early and not sit on the fence on matters of nation building.
Minority Whip of the House, Rep. Ali Isah, described Dan-Zaria as “one of the most dedicated staff of the assembly, the reason why former clerks and serving members of staff gathered to celebrate him.”
According to him, Dan-Zaria is always calm, no matter the tension on the floor of the house or in his office.
The lawmaker, who said that the entire house was proud of the outgoing clerk, prayed God for more opportunities for him.
Also, Rep. Miriam Onouha (APC-Imo) urged the outgoing clerk to join All Progressives Congress (APC) and vie for a political office.
Onuoha described him as a national asset that the party will be willing to support to serve the nation in other capacities.
Meanwhile, the speaker has announced Mr Ibrahim Sidi as the new clerk of the House, Mr Isiaka Sadiq as the acting Clerk, Legislative and Mr Dauda Bukar as Deputy Clerk, Admin.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)