National Assembly Warns Workers Against Planned Protest, Threatens Disciplinary Action

The management of the National Assembly (NASS) has issued a stern warning to its staff members, cautioning them against taking part in a planned protest by the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN).

This warning comes after reports surfaced that members of PASAN were preparing to embark on industrial action over alleged unresolved welfare and constitutional issues affecting legislative staff.

In a circular released on Monday, signed by Essien Eyo Essien, Secretary of Human Resources and Staff Development, on behalf of the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, management emphasized that any attempt to disrupt legislative activities would attract serious disciplinary consequences.

According to the circular, the current management has implemented several administrative reforms within its seven months in office aimed at improving efficiency and boosting staff morale.

“It must be emphasized that membership of PASAN or any union is entirely voluntary,” the statement read. “Any staff member, whether executive or regular, who is dissatisfied with the conduct of union affairs may freely withdraw their membership in line with established rules.”

The management directed all employees to disregard calls for strike action or picketing, assuring them of their safety and protection within the Assembly complex.

“In light of recent developments, all staff are instructed to ignore any calls for industrial action, including work-to-rule or unlawful picketing. Your safety and security within the National Assembly complex are assured. Please proceed with your official duties without fear or intimidation,” the circular added.

The management urged “concerned PASAN members” to refrain from their planned protest, stressing that any act of defiance would attract severe disciplinary measures.