Akpabio appoints outgoing senate clerk, Akubueze, as chief of staff

Sharon EboesomiDecember 11, 20244 min

Akubueze is retiring after serving as senate clerk since March 4, 2022, upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 60.

Akpabio appoints outgoing Senate clerk, Akubueze as Chief of Staff
                 Chinedu Akubueze

The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has announced the appointment of Chinedu Francis Akubueze, the outgoing Clerk of the Senate, as his new Chief of Staff. The announcement was made during Wednesday’s plenary, where Akpabio commended Akubueze’s years of dedication and service to the National Assembly.

This development follows the National Assembly Service Commission’s (NASC) approval of Andrew Nwoba as the new Clerk of the Senate. The appointment, effective Wednesday, December 11, 2024, comes after Akubueze’s retirement. Reflecting on Akubueze’s contributions, Akpabio expressed gratitude and optimism about his continued service in his new role.

Akubueze is retiring after serving as Senate Clerk since March 4, 2022, upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 60. He will take over from Sylvester Okonkwo, the former Chief of Staff, who has been appointed an Executive Director of the newly established South-East Development Commission.

While appreciating Akubueze, Akpabio said, “Distinguished colleagues, I would like to announce that having reviewed the elevation of my chief of staff to the position of executive director of the Southeast Development Commission, I have decided to appoint Akubueze as chief of staff to the Senate President.”

The Senate President further celebrated Akubueze’s career, offering him blessings for the future. “I can say on behalf of my colleagues that having tested the proceedings of the 8th Senate and particularly our votes and proceedings, you have been a very thorough and wonderful servant of your nation.

“I want to wish you more graceful decades of joy, peace, happiness, prosperity as you play with your children and grandchildren. May God continue to keep you strong for us,” he added.

READ ALSO: National assembly appoints Andrew Nwoba as senate clerk

The Leader of the Senate, Opeyemi Bamidele, also praised Akubueze as a patriot and accomplished civil servant. He recounted their long-standing professional relationship, beginning in 1992 when Akubueze was a young lawyer in the National Assembly’s legal department, assisting with drafting motions and resolutions. Bamidele highlighted Akubueze’s commitment and dynamism, which earned him respect and recognition among senators over the years.

“It is not an accident of history that today he is standing before our dear colleagues and before the country in this hallowed chamber to be honored as an outgoing clerk of this Senate, having put in all the years of meritorious service until the very age of 60. I also think it’s not an accident of history that I’m privileged as a Senate leader to also be the one that will call these encomiums on behalf of our colleagues and nemesis has a way of also positively catching up with people.

“My dear brother, you have served your country and in serving your country you have tried to put in your best and you have grown through the ranks to be where you are.”

In his final remarks, Akpabio described Akubueze’s elevation as a testament to his exceptional contributions and diligence. “At the age of 60, Chinedu Francis Akubueze is being elevated from the ground floor to leadership because of his unwavering commitment to the nation,” Akpabio noted.

Following these tributes, Akubueze was invited to take a ceremonial bow and exit the chamber to assume his new role as Chief of Staff to the Senate President.

Sharon Eboesomi

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