The leadership of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) National Assembly chapter on Monday gave insight into the reason for the abrupt adjournment of the Congress held last week, during which some members allegedly passed a vote of no confidence on the incumbent Executive Council led by Comrade Sunday Sabbiyi.
The position of the Comrade Sabbiyi-led Executive Council was contained in a 5-page letter titled: “Rejoinder: Setting the records straight. Unfolding drama in the National Assembly Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria following the Congress held on Monday, 15th July, 2024,” jointly signed by PASAN Chairman, Comrade Sunday Sabbiyi, and PASAN Secretary, Comrade Ann David.
According to the letter made available to the Nigerian Tribune, aside from members of the Association who attended the Congress, representatives of the National Assembly Management team namely: Barrister Shuaib Maina – Secretary, HR & SD; Mr. Clement Inyang – Secretary, Finance and Account; Hajia El Naffaty – Ag. Secretary, PS & SD; Dr. Muhammed Tahir Sani – Director, APD; Mr. Muhammed Saleh – Director Labour; and Mr. Mohammed Labaran – Director Budget, also attended the Congress.
“The Secretary, HR & SD, delivered the CNA’s remarks, and Mr. Clement Inyang, Secretary, Finance and Accounts, presented the management’s position on certain outstanding payments and provided clarifications regarding the balance of nine (9) months Consolidated Arrears, 25%/35% FG recent increment across the board, ₦35,000.00 Wage Award, and 50% balance of Consolidated Salary Structure (CONLESS).”
They noted that after reading out the agenda for the Congress alongside the Chairman’s remarks for the day, a group of members interrupted the Congress.
“Part of the statutory responsibilities of the Executive Council is to prepare the agenda for any Congress; hence, the agenda was shared alongside the Chairman’s opening remarks. However, the motion to adopt the agenda for the meeting, as statutorily required, became a challenge due to the activities of some members.
“Instead of the adoption of the agenda, Comrade Jacob Eyagomare raised a point of order and premised it on Rule 19 (2) which states that all members of the chapter Executive Council shall carry out roles as that of their corresponding National Officers as applicable in the Chapter.
“He also quoted Rule 12 (1) which states that a special or emergency Delegate Conference Meeting to deliberate on specific issues may be summoned at such time and place as the National Executive Council may decide or by a resolution supported by a two-thirds majority of the Chapter forwarded to the Secretary General of the Association. Again, he quoted Rule 12 (4) which states that the requisition shall state in clear details what needs to be deliberated upon.
“However, his point of order was overruled by the Chapter Chairman, Comrade Sunday Sabbiyi, who presided over the Congress, because the quoted rules were out of context as the Congress was not an emergency. Moreover, the Congress wasn’t a special one, as there was no issue bedeviling the Chapter to necessitate a call for one.
“The Chairman thereafter called for a motion for the adoption of the agenda or amendments, if any. Comrade Joseph Uchola moved for a motion of adoption of the agenda, which was seconded by Comrade Chidiebere Ukachukwu. Consequently, the question was put and agreed to.
“Surprisingly, some members of the Union rose up and started agitating that the agenda, which had been adopted by the Congress, be discarded and that the agenda they prepared from home be adopted, contrary to Rule 13 (3 e, f): ‘Any matter not included in the agenda shall not be entertained at the meetings of the council, except with the permission of two-thirds of the members of the Council present in person.’ ‘Items for inclusion in the Agenda of the meeting from whatever source shall be forwarded to the Secretary-General of the Association not later than one month before the meeting of the Council.’
“Following non-compliance with the above provision of the Constitution, the motion was ruled out of order.
“The Chairman, Comrade Sunday Sabbiyi, advised members of Congress to always stay within the provisions of the Constitution in the conduct of the affairs of the Union.”
According to the statement, “The National President, Comrade Muhammed Usman, who was present, further explained the Constitutional position on the agenda. According to him, only the constitutionally elected PASAN Excos have the power to prepare the agenda for any Congress. Hence, the agenda cannot be discarded; instead, where there are observations, it can only be amended through a motion and if supported by the two-thirds majority, then it is carried.
“His plea fell on deaf ears as the same few comrades intensified their already scripted play of aggression. They were bent on causing mayhem by insulting, assaulting, intimidating, and threatening any member who dared to oppose their position; even the management representatives in the Congress were not spared.
“The Director of Labour in the National Assembly, Mr. Muhammed Saleh, and other well-known members of PASAN appealed for calm but were resisted. It became obvious that the purpose of their agitation was anything but accountability, as the subject of contention, which they alluded to ‘Call for Accountability and Audited Financial Report, spanning a period of 5 years,’ was listed in the agenda presented by the Excos and adopted by the Congress on that day.”
(AGENDA ATTACHED AS APPENDIX A).
The tense atmosphere grew to a crescendo where tempers began to flare, and even security operatives represented by the Sergeant-at-Arms were overwhelmed and unable to control the rowdy and violent situation. This resulted in an assault and threat to life to a Deputy Director (name withheld) led by one Mr. Bolajoko Afeez Aladewura with NASS/PF/6481 (08143816179) and his cohorts. The said Deputy Director had the protection of the presiding officer at the time of the assault, and the microphone with which he was speaking was ruthlessly smashed by Bolajoko Afees Aladewura. While the commotion continued, Mr. Afees led a second round of assault on the same Deputy Director and forced him to leave the Congress due to the obvious threat to his life.
“After several attempts of plea from the Director of Labour, the National President, and the Chapter Chairman, spanning over 2 hours, it therefore became expedient that the Presiding Officer act promptly in order to forestall further breakdown of law and order. Hence, he was advised to adjourn the Congress to avoid further breaches of peace and to protect the lives of members and the National Assembly property.
“Following the ensuing anarchy led by persons with the intent to cause chaos in the National Assembly and harm fellow staff, the Congress urged the Chapter Chairman to adjourn the meeting.
“We have it on good authority that these same persons were hired to cause mayhem to disrupt the present industrial harmony, as their agitation was not hinged on staff welfare.”
“The motion for adjournment was moved by Comrade Nuhu Barau and seconded by Comrade Sintiki Daniel.
“Question for adjournment was put and agreed to by majority voice.
Congress adjourned at 3:24 pm and the venue was vacated accordingly.”
Shedding further light on the aftermath of the adjournment, PASAN leaders said: “A few hours after Congress had adjourned, these recalcitrant members of staff started parading a purported falsehood that a vote of no confidence had been passed on the Chapter Excos.
“After Congress was adjourned, the Chapter Provost, Comrade Bunu, observed that the attendance register circulated for the day was missing. It was later confirmed that the attendance register was stolen by this group of recalcitrant members.
“They photocopied the names of attendees to the Congress and attached such with the letter they sent to the Clerk of the National Assembly and the National Body. This constitutes gross misconduct and a grievous violation of the Constitution of PASAN and the National Assembly Staff Regulations, 2020, which is punishable under the laws,” the letter stated.