National Assembly workers’ union leadership denies alleged N3bn fraud

The leadership of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria, PASAN, a union of staff working in the legislative houses, National Assembly Chapter, has denied allegations it misappropriated the sum of N3 billion.

The denial was sequel to claims by a member of PASAN, Yusuf Abiola, at a press conference on Monday in Abuja, saying that the executive committee of the union misappropriated the sum of N3 billion by spending the money on frivolous items.

Abiola dared the union’s leadership to produce the audited financial statements and operational reports from 2019, insisting that he was speaking from an informed perspective.

Reacting in a statement on Sunday, which was jointly issued by the chairman of the union, Sunday Sabiyyi and secretary, David Ann Ebizimoh, the union leadership described the claim as baseless, frivolous and unfounded.

Sabiyyi called on members of the union and the general public to disregard what he described as “unfounded blackmail intended to distract the union from pursuing its mandate coherently to the letter”.

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The statement reads in part: “Our attention has been drawn to recent defamatory publication of financial mismanagement and others.

“The Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria, National Assembly Chapter wishes to put the records straight and debunk the libelous allegations that the Executive of Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria, PASAN, NASS Chapter under the leadership of Comrade Sunday Sabiyyi regarding our Association’s financial management, leadership style, and the call for reform.”

The PASAN executive in the statement insisted that they have been transparent in their financial dealings and accountable in managing finances, asking the claimant to produce evidence against them.

“We have followed all the constitutional procedures and protocols to ensure that funds are used appropriately and for the benefit of all members.

“We have also maintained accurate records of all financial transactions and we
are open to any inquiries or audits that may be required at any time.

“Clearly the check off dues and any other purported source of funds as alleged by the detractors to the tune of three (3) billion Naira cannot be generated by the 36 State Chapters and FCT Zone of PASAN which includes NASS and National Assembly Service Commission Chapters joined together.

“Thus, it is unreasonable, mischievous and ludicrous to imagine that the NASS Chapter of the Union expended such magnitude of money; a figment of the imagination of our detractors.”