His stewardship in Research and Information Directorate has greatly redefined operational relevance of the National Assembly in political ecosystem of Nigeria.
By Ishaq Bayo Adewale, Abuja
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum , the Ruler of Dubai, Vice President and the Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirate (UAE) wrote in his book titled Flashes of Thought that “a leader does not merely give orders. A leader inspires people to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more”.
In a political climate often saturated with the noise of fleeting titles and unproductive leaders, it is very important to spotlight those whose leadership style is felt in the strength of institutions rather than the volume of their public posturing. Dr. (Pharm.) Ali Barde Umoru, the Secretary of Research and Information Directorate of the National Assembly belongs to this rare and invaluable category of public servant.
A pharmacist by training and a scholar of management at the highest academic level, Dr. Ali Barde Umoru has demonstrated that visionary leadership does not always require a background in a particular field to leave an indelible impact upon it. His stewardship in Research and Information Directorate has greatly redefined operational relevance of the National Assembly in political ecosystem of Nigeria.
Recognizing that governance without data is governance by guesswork, Dr Ali Umoru invigorated the Statistics Department and inspiring them to generate timely and credible legislative data on motions, bills, and resolutions. This intervention has quietly repositioned the National Assembly as a bulwark against obscurity. The Secretary of Research and Information supported the Statistics Department to produced and published, National Assembly Statistical Information; Highlights of Motions and Resolutions of the 9th Senate National Assembly Nigeria June 2019- May 2023; Highlights of Motions and Resolution of the 9th House of Representatives National Assembly Nigeria June 2019-May 2023, Statistical Analysis of the 2025-2027 MTEF & FSP. In a political environment often blurred by conjecture, this systematic capture of legislative facts and figures deserves national commendation.
Another landmark achievement under his watch is the sanitization of media accreditation procedures within the National Assembly. Before Ali Umoru assumed office, the accreditation process for correspondents covering legislatures was notoriously porous, with frivolous characters often infiltrating the Press Corps under false pretenses.
Some of these individuals exploited gate-pass to constitute a nuisance within the legislative environment, while others served as tools for political vendettas against lawmakers by weaponizing the media-pass to settle personal and partisan scores. Understanding the delicate relationship between a freedom of press and institutional dignity, Dr. Ali Umoru introduced a structured, transparent, and rigorous accreditation framework for recognizing bonafide correspondents and enforced measures to curb abuse of media privileges within the National Assembly.
Today, the Information Department operates with a renewed vigilance, ensuring that only accredited, responsible, and professionally verified journalists are granted access to legislative proceedings.
This intervention has restored decorum and professionalism to legislative reportage, fostering an environment where the media can play its constitutional role without compromising parliamentary integrity.
One of his most significant reforms was the bold reclamation of NASSTV from external consultants who were managing the platform for years. In legislative reporting where narrative is power, Ali Umoru understands a fundamental truth that “an institution that outsources its voice surrenders its soul.
His decision to empower the in-house NASSTV Crew in the running of the platform was a strategic masterstroke. It returned the narrative voice of the Assembly to its staff; restoring institutional control, fostering capacity development, and ensuring that the story of parliament is told by those who breathe its air daily.
He personally celebrated the NASSTV Crew in December 2024 when they successfully carried out the Live Streaming of Budget 2025 Presentation where President Bola Ahmed Tinubu addressed the joint sessions of the National Assembly.
His Midas touch also extend to the Archives Department. Ali Umoru facilitated the acquisition of modern, high-definition cameras for Photographers attached to Principal Officers.
In an era of Digital Media, this is not a cosmetic gesture but a commendable effort to professionalize and modernize documentation of parliamentary affairs, ensuring that National Assembly projects an image befitting its status.
Perhaps most symbolically significant is his revival of the National Assembly Handbook, a masterfully compiled reference document chronicling the legislative processes, procedures, and institutional frameworks. Long overdue and sorely needed, this publication is now a critical resource for lawmakers, researchers, parliamentary aides, and citizens eager to understand the workings of their democracy.
In preserving the institutional memory of the legislature, Ali Umoru has ensured that future generations will inherit not only the motions and bills but also the wisdom and history that shaped them.
His unwavering commitment to preserving the integrity of the National Assembly was further demonstrated on Thursday, June 12, 2025, after the Joint Session of Lawmakers marking Democracy Day.
In an unusual encounter, Dr. Ali Umoru challenged a self-styled journalist parading as NASSNEWS Correspondent who had been deceiving unsuspecting public into believing that the private tabloid was an official publication of National Assembly. The questioning degenerated into heated argument when the publisher, unwilling to accept correction, attempted to turn the interrogation into a physical altercation.
Undeterred, Dr Ali Umoru vehemently insist that the print media has no moral justification to impersonate the name of National Assembly while the publisher insisted that he had been using it before Pharm Ali Umoru was appointed.
The Secretary of Research and Information insisted that right thing must always be done irrespective of the years wrong thing had been in existence. In an era where corruption is eating deep into fabrics of our society, the fearless defense of corporate image of the National Assembly stands as a testament to loyalty, discipline, dedication, and commitment of Dr. Ali Barde Umoru.
In appreciation of his selfless services and invaluable mentorship, the seven Directors under Research and Information Directorate of the National Assembly organized a surprised birthday visit to Dr. Ali Barde Umoru on Saturday, June 21, 2025.
It was a visit woven with emotion and gratitude, as each Director took turns to pour heartfelt encomiums on the indefatigable Secretary, lauding his humane leadership. The celebrant, visibly moved, received the outpouring of affection with humility.
Even more touching was the amazement of his wife, who watched in quiet pride as senior staff under her husband stormed their home to celebrate the man they regarded not just as a boss, but as a mentor and brother. It was a rare testament to a career defined not only by reforms but by relationships.
As Dr. Ali Barde Umoru adds another year to his purposeful journey in life, may Almighty Allah grant him strength, wisdom, peace, and divine protection. May his name endure among the silent nation-builders, and his light never dim in service to country and humanity. Amen.
Bayo Adewale, PA to the Director, NASSTV & Radio, National Assembly, Abuja
