"‘Consequences Await’ — NASS Issues Warning Against Picketing the Complex"

Table of Contents

• Warning Issued by Management
• Picketing Plans by Workers
• Allegations Against Workers
• Motivation Behind Agitation
• Attempts at Resolution
• Allegations of Frivolous Petitions

The management of the National Assembly has issued a firm warning regarding the proposed picketing of its complex by certain disgruntled workers, stating that such actions could disrupt legislative activities.

The Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), National Assembly chapter, has informed the management of its intention to picket the complex due to accusations of fraud, outstanding allowances, and interference in union activities.

In a circular signed by Essien Eyo Essien, the secretary of human resources and staff development, the National Assembly management alleged that individuals Odo Chris, a grade level 13 officer in the Senate, and Abiola Yusuf Mohammed, a grade level 9 officer in the human resources directorate, were rallying staff under the pretext of “Concerned PASAN Members” to incite unrest.

The circular asserted that these workers are collaborating with persons both within and outside the legislature to provoke an industrial action that could jeopardize national security.

“Security reports at our disposal indicate that these individuals are mobilizing and inciting staff to participate in an unlawful action referred to as ‘picketing’,” the statement noted.

“If this plan is executed, it could disrupt legislative activities, which we believe poses a threat to national security,” the circular continued.

The management indicated that the agitation seeks to force it to dissolve the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria, PASAN, National Assembly chapter, accusing the group of “intentional efforts to destabilize internal harmony.”

It emphasized that all attempts to resolve the issue amicably have been rejected, highlighting that previous mediation efforts by the registrar of trade unions and the minister of labor were obstructed by the same individuals.

According to the circular, the National Assembly management stated that the group has submitted several “frivolous petitions” alleging mismanagement of union funds and other unverified claims, including a petition with “unverified signatures” presented to both chambers of the National Assembly.