‘There’ll be sanctions’ — n’assembly management warns against planned picketing by parliamentary workers

The management of the national assembly has warned that the planned “unlawful picketing” of the complex by some aggrieved workers is capable of disrupting legislative activities.

The national assembly chapter of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) had notified the management of plans to picket the complex over allegations of fraud, unpaid allowances and interference in union activities.

In a circular signed by Essien Eyo Essien, secretary of human resources and staff development, the national assembly management alleged that 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 mobilising staff under the guise of “Concerned PASAN Members” to cause unrest.

The circular, titled “Plan to disrupt legislative activities in the national assembly”, claimed that the workers are working with individuals within and outside the legislature to instigate industrial action capable of threatening national security.

“Security reports at our disposal disclose that these persons are mobilising and inciting staff to engage in an unlawful action termed ‘picketing’,” the circular reads.

“If this plan is carried out, it is capable of disrupting legislative activities, which in our opinion constitutes a threat to national security.”

The management said the agitation is aimed at compelling it to disband the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) national assembly chapter, accusing the group of “deliberate attempts to destabilise internal harmony”.

It stated that all efforts to resolve the matter amicably had been rebuffed, noting that previous mediation attempts by the registrar of trade unions and the minister of labour were disrupted by the same individuals.

According to the circular, the national assembly management said the group has authored several “frivolous petitions” alleging mismanagement of union funds and other unsubstantiated claims, including a petition with “unverified signatures” submitted to both chambers of the national assembly.

It also alleged that the individuals took part in a public hearing without authorisation, where they made comments contradicting the official position of the management on the National Assembly Pension Board (Establishment) (Amendment) Bill 2025.

“Civil servants are prohibited from making comments on policy issues; that is the prerogative of management or the staff union,” the management said.

The management further accused the staff of attempting to access confidential documents under the guise of gathering evidence against top officials and of seeking financial support through an OPay account allegedly used to fund their activities.

“For these persons to persist in their illegal activities for close to 15 years means that there are some powerful persons within the National Assembly backing them,” it added.

The management warned that the planned picketing could disrupt legislative sessions and attract disciplinary measures if it proceeds on October 7.

It urged staff to ignore any calls for industrial action, assuring them of safety within the complex.

“Staff welfare remains a top priority of the present management and political leadership of the National Assembly,” it added.

“The management, in line with its policy of democratising decision-making, is open to dialogue with all staff individually and collectively.

“However, management will not sit in a meeting with any illegal association.”

The circular concluded by reaffirming the management’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and the overall well-being of staff.