Reps pay tributes to retiring House clerk at valedictory session

The House of Representatives on Thursday held a valedictory session in honour of the outgoing Clerk of the House, Yahaya Danzaria, commending his years of dedicated service to the National Assembly.

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The session was presided over by the Speaker, Abbas Tajudeen, who invited Mr Danzaria to stand as members took turns to deliver goodwill messages in recognition of his service and contributions to parliamentary administration.

In his remarks, Mr Tajudeen described Mr Danzaria’s tenure as one marked by discipline, professionalism and deep institutional knowledge.

“Dr Danzaria served in this sensitive office with clarity, discipline and restraint. His career within the National Assembly reflects steady progress built on competence and learning,” the speaker said.

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He noted that the outgoing Clerk’s background in law, public administration and policy analysis enabled him to combine legal precision with administrative insight in managing parliamentary processes.

According to the speaker, Mr Danzaria understood that parliamentary procedure was functional rather than ceremonial, serving to protect minority rights, maintain order and ensure that decisions of the House withstand constitutional and legal scrutiny.

Among his key institutional contributions, Mr Tajudeen cited Mr Danzaria’s role in supporting the formulation and implementation of the Legislative Agenda of the 10th House of Representatives, as well as his involvement in the revision of the Standing Orders.

“In the routine but essential work of plenary administration, his insistence on the timely preparation and circulation of Notice Papers improved legislative planning,” Mr Tajudeen said, adding that his calm temperament, humility and ability to manage relationships without conflict defined his leadership style.

Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu (APC, Abia) described the occasion as one of mixed emotions, noting that the House was bidding farewell to a dedicated public servant who joined the National Assembly at a young age and rose through the ranks.

“Managing 360 constituencies, making sure we are well documented, and everybody’s opinion was captured is not an easy job to do,” Mr Kalu said, adding that although Mr Danzaria was retiring, “he is not tired.”

He urged the nation to continue to leverage the outgoing clerk’s experience and institutional memory, stressing that such expertise should not be lost to retirement.

The Majority Leader, Julius Ihonvbere (APC, Edo), described Mr Danzaria as a meticulous administrator with exceptional attention to detail, expressing confidence that the House would continue to benefit from his wealth of experience and patriotism.

Minority Whip Ali Isah (PDP, Gombe) also praised Mr Danzaria, describing him as one of the most dedicated staff members of the National Assembly, whose calm disposition endured even under intense pressure on the floor of the House.

Several lawmakers including Miriam Onuoha (APC, Imo), echoed similar sentiments, highlighting his accessibility, responsiveness and commitment to advising committees and members on parliamentary rules and procedures.

In his closing remarks, Mr Tajudeen said the unanimity of goodwill messages from lawmakers was a clear reflection of Mr Danzaria’s character and service.

“I have never seen a situation where almost all 360 members speak with one voice. Everyone has spoken well of you, and that speaks volumes about who you are,” he said.

The speaker congratulated Mr Danzaria on his service and expressed the House’s desire to continue benefiting from his institutional experience in one capacity or another.

The session concluded with a group photograph involving the principal officers of the House, Mr Danzaria, the newly appointed Clerk of the House, Ibrahim Sidi, Acting Clerk (Legislative) Isiaka Sadiq, and Deputy Clerk (Administration) Dauda Bukar.

Mr Danzaria began serving as clerk of the House of Representatives in March 2022, initially in an acting capacity following the redeployment of the substantive clerk.

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He continued in the role through the final year of the Ninth House and into the 10th House of Representatives, serving for nearly four years before his retirement. His tenure spanned two assemblies and was marked by key institutional reforms and continuity in parliamentary administration.

Before becoming Clerk of the House, Mr Danzaria spent many years rising through the administrative ranks of the National Assembly, serving in several key departments.

He began his career as a legislative staff member and over time worked in Legal Services, Public Affairs, Finance and Supplies, eventually becoming Director of Public Affairs.

During this period, he served closely with various committees, was involved in constitutional transition processes, and developed a deep understanding of legislative administration before his appointment as acting clerk in March 2022.