Tensions are mounting in the National Assembly as the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) faces an internal crisis, with its recognized leadership distancing itself from a planned protest even as a faction of aggrieved members insists on going ahead with a mass picketing exercise.
In a memo circulated since September 25 and signed by its Chairman, Comrade Sunday Sabiyyi, PASAN warned members against participating in any demonstration allegedly being organized by a group identifying itself as Concerned Staff of the National Assembly.
The union maintained that it is the only registered and recognized staff union within the National Assembly, stressing that the purported protest was not authorized.
“We strongly advise all PASAN members to remain at their duty posts and go about their legitimate responsibilities. We do not support or condone any protest or picketing that disrupts the functioning of the National Assembly,” the memo stated.
Sabiyyi further explained that issues raised by the dissenting members — including arrears and welfare concerns — had already been substantially addressed through engagements with management, with a committee currently working on the remaining demands.
He argued that unauthorized protests risked “tarnishing the image of the National Assembly and undermining ongoing negotiations.”
But earlier in a counter-move that underscored the widening rift, a faction of PASAN members — under the banner of Concerned Members of PASAN — had written to the Clerk of the National Assembly, notifying management of their intention to begin peaceful picketing on October 7, 2025.
In a strongly worded letter signed by Comrades Chris MC-Odo, Yusuf Muhammad Abiola, and Chinenye Peace Ndu, the group accused Assembly management of intimidation, victimization, and shielding of ousted PASAN executives who were removed in July 2024 for “serial constitutional breaches,” including alleged failure to present audited accounts.
“This decision has heightened our suspicion that management, in concert with the ousted Exco, has laundered funds through PASAN accounts,” the letter alleged.
The aggrieved faction outlined a series of demands, including, Correction of alleged fraudulent short payments of salaries and allowances, Remittance of pension contributions, taxes, and housing deductions, Payment of outstanding CONLESS benefits, rent subsidies, hazard, medical, and leave allowances. provision of staff buses and vehicles for senior cadre, Implementation of the new N70,000 minimum wage and Inauguration of the National Assembly Service Pension Board as mandated by law.
Copies of the notification were also sent to the Sergeant-at-Arms, DSS, and Police Division within the Assembly, seeking security protection for the protest.
The development signaled a deepening schism within PASAN. On one hand, the union’s recognized leadership under Comrade Sabiyyi is positioning itself as a responsible partner engaging management through dialogue. On the other, the Concerned Members insist that corruption, financial mismanagement, and welfare neglect have reached intolerable levels, leaving protest as the only option.
For observers, the face-off raises broader questions about accountability, transparency, and staff welfare in one of Nigeria’s most powerful institutions. With both sides digging in, all eyes will be on October 7, when the threatened picketing could test the unity of parliamentary workers and the resolve of Assembly management.
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