National Assembly workers’ union leadership denies alleged N3b fraud

The Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), National Assembly Chapter, has firmly rejected allegations of misappropriating N3 billion in union funds.

The claims were brought to light by a PASAN member, Yusuf Abiola, during a press conference held in Abuja on Monday, where he demanded audited financial statements and operational reports from 2019 to the present from the union executive.

In response to these allegations, the chairman of PASAN, Comrade Sunday Sabiyyi, issued a statement jointly signed by the association’s Secretary, Comrade David Ann Ebizimoh. The statement described the accusations as “baseless and defamatory.”

Sabiyyi urged union members and the general public to dismiss what he characterised as “unfounded blackmail intended to distract the union from pursuing its mandate coherently to the letter.”

The statement read 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 libellous 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.

“Firstly, to set the records straight, let me address the alleged financial mismanagement and lack of accountability raised against the Executive Council. We want to assure the general public that the NASS Executive Council of PASAN has always been transparent and accountable in managing the Association’s finances.”

Sabiyyi said the union followed all the constitutional procedures and protocols to ensure that funds were used appropriately and for the benefit of all members; adding that it also maintained accurate records of all financial transactions and it was open to any inquiries or audits that may be required at any time.

He argued that the claimed N3 billion could not be generated by the 36 State Chapters and the FCT Zone of PASAN, which includes both the NASS and National Assembly Service Commission Chapters.

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

The union further condemned those spreading the allegations, describing them as “sore losers” who contested for executive positions but were defeated in the elections that brought the current leadership to power.

“We understand the concerns of our members; we believe that the current leadership is committed to addressing pending issues and is determined to implement the necessary reforms. We have always been open to feedback and suggestions from our members and have always been willing to make changes for the betterment of the association,” the union concluded.