PASAN Leadership, Aggrieved Members Clash Over Alleged Planned Picketing at NASS

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

Fresh tension is brewing within the National Assembly over a deepening rift between the leadership of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), National Assembly Chapter, and a faction of aggrieved members who have announced plans to embark on peaceful picketing of the legislative complex, today, October 7.

In a memo dated September 25, 2025, the PASAN chapter chairman, Comrade Sunday Sabiyyi, dissociated the union from what he described as a “purported protest by the so-called ‘Concerned Staff,’” insisting that the recognized union leadership was not involved in the planned demonstration being circulated on internal messaging platforms.

Sabiyyi warned all PASAN members to stay away from the protest, urging them to remain at their duty posts and continue with their legitimate assignments.

He stated that management had substantially complied with most of the workers’ welfare demands, while a committee was already in discussion with the National Assembly authorities to resolve remaining issues.

“We strongly advise all PASAN members to remain on their duty posts and go about their legitimate business within the complex. We do not support or condone any form of protest or picketing that disrupts the functioning of the National Assembly,” the memo read.

He further urged management to prevent any unauthorized picketing from taking place within the National Assembly premises and to take measures to maintain decorum within the legislative environment.

However, in a letter to the Clerk to the National Assembly titled “Notification of Peaceful Picketing,” a group identifying themselves as Concerned Members of the Parliamentary Staff accused the Sabiyyi-led PASAN executive of intimidation, victimization, and financial opacity.

The group, which threatened embarking on picketing as from today, October 7, alleged the current leadership had failed to present the union’s audited accounts to the congress in line with provisions of the PASAN Constitution, 2015, which mandates annual financial reporting and transparency in fund management.

They also accused the National Assembly management of siding with the PASAN leadership to protect certain ousted executives “for fear of exposure,” alleging that funds meant for training, allowances, and staff welfare had been diverted.

“These actions of yours amount to interference, meddlesomeness and infringement on our fundamental rights and are totally unacceptable to us as workers under a trade union,” the group stated.

The aggrieved members listed several unmet welfare demands, including correction of salary short-payments, remittance of statutory deductions, full implementation of the Consolidated Legislative Salary Structure (CONLESS), and enforcement of the new ₦70,000 minimum wage with its consequential adjustments.

They further called for the inauguration of the National Assembly Service Pension Board, provision of staff buses and official vehicles for directorate-level officers, and the payment of various allowances approved under the National Assembly Conditions of Service.

The letter, signed by Messrs Chris Odo, Yusuf Mohammed Abiola, and Chinenye Peace Nda, accused the current leadership of acting contrary to the union’s constitution and vowed to proceed with their planned peaceful picketing unless their grievances were addressed.

At press time, the National Assembly management had yet to issue an official statement on the brewing crisis, but sources said internal security had been placed on alert to prevent any disruption of legislative activities.

The unfolding dispute highlights growing discontent among parliamentary workers, despite earlier assurances of improved welfare and dialogue between the union and management.