National Assembly Warns Workers Against Disrupting Plenary Over Welfare Issues

The management of the National Assembly has warned parliamentary workers against disrupting plenary sessions over unresolved welfare and constitutional matters.

This comes after members of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) threatened to stage protests and picket the complex as lawmakers resume plenary on Tuesday.

In a circular signed by the Secretary of Human Resources and Staff Development, Essien Eyo Essien, on behalf of the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, management cautioned that any attempt to obstruct legislative activities would attract severe disciplinary action.

Essien stressed that union membership is voluntary, advising dissatisfied workers to withdraw peacefully rather than resort to protests. He said the current management has initiated several reforms within seven months to boost staff morale and efficiency.

“All staff are hereby directed to ignore any calls for industrial action or unlawful picketing,” the circular stated, assuring employees of their safety within the National Assembly complex.

The warning followed a petition dated October 3 by a group identified as “Concerned PASAN Members,” who accused management of harassing and intimidating union members demanding accountability.

The petition, signed by M.C. Odo, Yusuf Mohammed Abiola, and Chinenye Peace Nda, alleged that workers were being queried for insisting on audited accounts and compliance with the union’s constitution.

The group also accused management of recognising previously suspended union executives and neglecting long-standing welfare demands, including salary corrections, payment of allowances, and implementation of the Consolidated Legislative Salary Structure.

They further demanded enforcement of the 40% peculiar allowance approved in 2023, provision of vehicles for senior staff, buses for junior workers, and full application of the new minimum wage.

As lawmakers resume on Tuesday, concerns remain over whether the dispute will disrupt parliamentary proceedings or be peacefully resolved by management.