The management of the National Assembly has unravelled plans by some staff to disrupt legislative activities on Tuesday, 7th October, 2025.

The notice was contained in an internal memo issued by the Clerk of the National Assembly, through the Secretary, Human Resources and Staff Development, Essien Eyo Essien, and syndicated on the notice boards across the National Assembly complex.

He alleged that two staff and their collaborators who operate illegally under the aegis of Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), along with their external forces, have over 15 years towards destabilizing the legislative activities as well as boasting and attempting to access sensitive and confidential documents under the pretext of gathering incriminating evidence against the Management and National Assembly’s political leadership.

The internal memo reads: “The management’s attention has been drawn to the online activities of Messrs. Odo Chris (GL 13, Senate) and Abiola Yusuf Mohammed (GL 9, Human Resources Directorate) that appear to be collaborating with anonymous individuals within and outside the National Assembly, masquerading as ‘Concerned PASAN Members’.

“Security report at our disposal discloses that these persons are mobilizing and inciting staff to engage in an unlawful action termed ‘picketing’. If this plan is carried out, it is capable of disrupting legislative activities, which in our opinion constitutes a threat to national security.

“According to reports, these persons claim that their agitation is aimed at compelling the Management to disband the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (NASS Chapter) and to improve staff welfare.

“It is important to clarify that this agitation has persisted for years and has been characterized by disruptive behaviour, misinformation, and deliberate attempts to destabilize our internal harmony.

“Despite repeated engagements with these persons by the present management to resolve their concerns (which have to do with internal union-related issues), amicably, all efforts have been rebuffed under the pretext that Management should not interfere in Union activities.

“The Registrar of the Trade Union, representing the Minister of Labour, attempted to mediate and resolve the union conflict.

“However, the process was twice disrupted by the unruly behaviour of the same individuals before normalcy was restored. These same group and their cohorts, under the guise of “Concerned PASAN Members,” have persistently authored frivolous petitions, alleging mismanagement of union dues and other unsubstantiated claims.

“In a notable case, a petition with unverified signatures was submitted to the leadership of both Houses of the National Assembly, raising concerns about the petition’s legitimacy and authenticity.

“Also, these groups without the authority of the management participated in a public hearing organized by the House Committee on Public Service Matters on the National Assembly Pension Board (Establishment) (Amendment) Bill 2025, where they made submissions contradicting the official position of the management and leadership in a disrespectful and derogatory manner.

“It should be noted that civil servants are prohibited from making comments on policy issues that are the prerogative of the management or the staff union.

“Furthermore, these persons have been boasting and attempting to access sensitive and confidential documents under the pretext of gathering incriminating evidence against the management and our political leadership.

“They, individually and collectively, have written several petitions to anti-corruption Agencies, targeting PASAN leadership, management, and senior officials without providing any.

“Management is concerned that the tolerance of these persons over the years has given the impression that they can take the law into their hands without any consequence. If they are allowed to continue their illegal activities, including their planned “picketing” of the National Assembly, the resumption of the National Assembly on the 7th October and legislative activities may be disrupted.

“Management believes that for these persons to persist in their illegal activities for close to 15 years means that there are some powerful persons outside the National Assembly backing them.

“We have it on authority that they have opened and are operating an account, with the tacit consent and acquiescence of their backers, where they are soliciting financial support to fund their illegal activities. (Details of the account are OPay account number 8168230224).

“It is therefore imperative to make this clear to all staff that: Staff welfare remains a top priority of the present Management and Political leadership of the National Assembly. Within two months of the assumption of office of the present management, all outstanding staff claims were cleared.

“The management, in line with its policy of democratizing decision-making, is open to dialogue with all staff individually and collectively. But the management will not sit in a meeting with any illegal association.

“The Trade Dispute Act, which regulates Trade Union activities in Nigeria, recognizes disagreements in the internal activities of registered Trade Unions, and also prescribes an elaborate procedure and mechanism for peaceful resolution.

“These include negotiation, mediation and litigation. It prohibits any person from using the name of an existing Trade Union or operating as a Trade Union just because there is a disagreement amongst the members.

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

“The present management, within 7 months of assumption of duty, has initiated several administrative reforms aimed at repositioning the National Assembly for greater efficiency and improved staff morale.

“In light of recent developments, the management hereby instructs all staff 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, and we urge you to proceed with your official duties without any fear or intimidation.

“On this note, the management directs the self-styled ‘Concerned PASAN Members’ to refrain from proceeding with their planned protest, as failure to do so may result in severe disciplinary action.

“Finally, the management remains committed to transparency, accountability, and the overall well-being of staff.” (Nigerian Tribune)