Progressive Staff vows to resist PASAN faction’s planned picketing

Michael Olumide

A power struggle is brewing within the National Assembly between the Progressive Staff Forum and a faction of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN).

The Progressive Staff Forum, led by Comrade Isah Mohammed, has warned the PASAN faction against planned picketing, citing concerns over disruptions to legislative duties and alleged external sponsorship with ulterior motives.

The PASAN faction’s actions, according to the Progressive Staff, are aimed at maligning the Clerk of the National Assembly, Barr. Kamoru Ogunlana, and undermining the leadership of Senator Akpabio.

The Progressive Staff Forum claims that the Clerk has taken proactive steps to address the concerns by establishing a dedicated committee to probe the matter.

In a strongly worded statement, the Progressive Staff Forum cautioned the PASAN faction against blockading the National Assembly, saying such actions would be resisted.

They urged the aggrieved staff to channel their grievances through official channels, such as petitioning the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) or the Nigeria Police Force.

The situation has raised concerns about potential disruptions to the National Assembly’s operations, with the Progressive Staff Forum calling on security agencies to be on alert and arrest anyone who breaks the law.

The development comes after PASAN members recently laid siege to the entrance and exit of the National Assembly, blocking gates with coastal buses.