Group Challenges Acting Senate Clerk’s Appointment

A civil society organisation, the Malcolm Omirhobo Foundation, has filed a petition to the chairman of the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC) challenging Mr Emmanuel Odoh’s recent appointment as the acting clerk of the Senate.

In the petition dated and received on October 6, 2025, the foundation expressed concern over what it described as a violation of Civil Service Rules, merit-based practices and the Federal Character principle.

It argued that the process that led to Odoh’s elevation to the position was flawed and unjust to other qualified officers.

Central to the group’s allegation is the claim that Odoh has multiple dates of birth in his official records, suggesting possible document falsification.

According to the petition, Odoh’s nominal roll lists his date of birth as 23rd February 1966, while a more recent service document indicates 23rd December 1968 — a discrepancy the foundation says raises serious questions about the integrity of his records.

“As a concerned NGO, we are apprehensive to know the motive behind the appointment of Mr. Odoh, a staff with tainted records to the exalted position of Clerk of the Senate,” the petition read in part. “This is happening while more qualified officers are overlooked, and in total violation of the principle of Federal Character.”

The group is calling for a discreet investigation into the alleged forgery and an immediate review of the appointment. It also urged the NASC to ensure that any future appointment to the office of the Clerk of the Senate strictly adheres to due process, including considerations of seniority, merit, and equitable zoning in line with Federal Character guidelines.