By YUSUF ABUBAKAR

Assembly Watch, a non-governmental organisation, has issued two weeks ultimatum to the Clerk of the National Assembly, Amos Olatunde Ojo, to pay legislative aides outstanding Duty Tour Allowances (DTA) approved from June 2019 or face the wrath of anti-graft agencies.

The ultimatum followed a recent publication by an aide of the CNA, which confirmed the payment of the DTA, even when aides of federal lawmakers are yet to be paid.

The group according to a statement issued by Nweke Nnorom, frowned at attempts by the CNA to corner the entitlements of legislative aides, after payment to staffers of the National Assembly.

He said that from the press release that emanated from the media aide to the CNA, funds meant for payment was in the custody of the CNA, but the refusal to pay baffled the entire community.

He maintained that the delay will have grievous consequences, in view of any further delay before payment.

“It is possible that all outstanding allowances of DTA and 2019 salary arrears was in the custody of the CNA as the cat was let out of the bag but he has refused to pay up.

“In the interest of unity, peace and development of the National Assembly, we urged the CNA to immediately without further delay, set up a machinery to offset payment, as this was a confirmation from his media aide,” he said

“Apart from the Duty Tour allowances DTA, payment of 2019 arrears should also be exhumed, before we call on the attention of the anti-graft agencies.

“We also appeal to the National Assembly Service Commission NASC Chairman, Engineer Ahmed Kadi Amshi FNSE, to wade into these lingering issues, as his administrative wisdom and overtures is being truncated and frustrated by the CNA.

“You meant well before the appointment and confirmation of the new CNA, but the cabals around the national assembly management have hijacked your good intentions,” Nweke said.