By Dr. Nafisat Makinde
Tension is brewing within the National Assembly as the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) distances itself from a planned protest reportedly being organized by a faction of workers identified as “Concerned Staff.” In a statement signed by PASAN Chairman, Comrade Sunday Sabiyyi, the union said it was not involved in any demonstration circulating on a WhatsApp forum, stressing that welfare issues raised by the agitators were already being addressed through ongoing dialogue with management. Sabiyyi urged members to remain at their duty posts and avoid actions that could disrupt legislative business.
In a related development, the National Assembly Management has raised alarm over what it described as a plot by certain employees to picket the complex. A memo signed by Essien Eyo Essien, Secretary of Human Resources and Staff Development, on behalf of the Clerk to the National Assembly, warned that disciplinary measures would be taken against anyone participating in the unauthorized protest. The management accused two staffers — Odo Chris (GL-13, Senate) and Abiola Yusuf Mohammed (GL-9, HR Directorate) — of mobilizing colleagues under the guise of “Concerned PASAN Members” to destabilize internal operations.
Findings from The Nation and NewsExpress indicate that the “Concerned” group had earlier written to the Clerk, notifying of plans to begin picketing on October 7, citing grievances such as non-implementation of the Consolidated Legislative Salary Structure (CONLESS), unpaid 40% peculiar allowance, salary shortfalls, and unremitted statutory deductions. They claimed the protest was a peaceful and constitutional way to draw attention to unresolved welfare issues.
Reaffirming its commitment to industrial peace, PASAN maintained that staff welfare concerns were being handled through established negotiation channels. The union cautioned members to adhere to due process and urged management to identify the source of the protest call to prevent escalation of tension within the Assembly.
Despite efforts to downplay the situation, observers say the unfolding events expose deeper frustration among National Assembly staff who feel neglected despite repeated assurances. As both union and management seek calm, the quiet undercurrent of dissent suggests that all may not be well beneath the polished floors of the chambers.
