FG Summons NASS Staff Leadership Over Alleged N3 Billion Fraud

The Federal Government has summoned the leadership of the National Assembly staff regarding allegations of a N3 billion fraud. Investigations are set to uncover the details surrounding this significant accusation.

The Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment has made a notable move by calling in senior officials and important members of the National Assembly chapter of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) to address allegations concerning a N3 billion fraud.

This summons comes after a formal petition accused the leadership of PASAN of financial misconduct, prompting an investigation led by the ministry to address concerns raised by its members.

An essential meeting is planned for tomorrow to discuss the allegations and decide on the next steps in addressing these serious claims.

The official letter from the ministry, signed by Amos Falonipe, who is the Director and Registrar of the Department of Trade Union Services and Industrial Relations, highlights their dedication to maintaining transparency and accountability in trade unions.

The letter, dated October 25, 2024, is titled “Re: Petition Against the Misappropriation of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), National Assembly Chapter and Threats to Suspend Members.”

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The controversy began when PASAN member Yusuf Abiola conducted a press briefing in Abuja, where he accused the organization’s executives of mismanaging N3 billion in union funds. Speaking on behalf of other concerned members, Abiola called for an audited financial report from 2019 to the present and warned that if the issue was not addressed, it would be escalated further.

In response, Sunday Sabiyyi, the chairman of PASAN’s National Assembly chapter, and Secretary David Ann Ebizimoh rejected the allegations as “baseless and defamatory.” Sabiyyi encouraged members and the public to ignore these claims, describing them as efforts to disrupt the union.

The Ministry of Labour’s involvement marks a pivotal moment in the dispute, as PASAN leadership might now be subject to an official investigation into their financial practices. This development has generated widespread anticipation regarding the outcome of the meeting.