The Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment has summoned some top officials and key members of the National Assembly chapter of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) over allegations of a N3 billion fraud.
This summons follows a formal petition accusing PASAN leadership of financial misconduct, leading to a ministry-led investigation to address concerns raised by PASAN members.
A crucial meeting is scheduled for tomorrow to discuss the allegations and determine the next steps in addressing these serious claims.
The ministry’s official letter, signed by Amos Falonipe, the Director and Registrar of the Department of Trade Union Services and Industrial Relations, emphasizes its commitment to upholding transparency and accountability within trade unions.
The letter, dated October 25, 2024, is titled “Re: Petition Against the Misappropriation of Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria, PASAN, National Assembly chapter and Threats of Suspension of Members.”
This controversy initially erupted after PASAN member Yusuf Abiola held a press briefing in Abuja, publicly accusing the PASAN executives of mismanaging union funds totaling N3 billion. Abiola, representing other concerned members, demanded an audited financial report covering 2019 to the present and threatened to escalate the issue if it remained unresolved.
In response, PASAN National Assembly chapter chairman, Sunday Sabiyyi, and Secretary David Ann Ebizimoh dismissed the allegations as “baseless and defamatory.” Sabiyyi urged members and the public to disregard these accusations, labeling them as attempts to disrupt the union.
The Ministry of Labour’s involvement signals a critical point in the dispute, as PASAN leadership may now face an official investigation into their financial practices, sparking widespread anticipation of the meeting’s outcome.
